2 Timothy 4:1-8
Verse 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Yesterday we talked about being ready for Christ’s Second Advent, but what are we to do in the meantime? The people of God had been given the Law to live by during the waiting period of the First Advent. They were commanded by God to live in a way which would reveal His glory and set His people apart from the other nations. The problem came because they wanted to be like the other nations.
We often find ourselves in the same place. We know God had called us to live a life of holiness and yet we can’t bring ourselves to live in a way which is counter to the world around us. We are so easily enticed by the things this world has to offer. And not just the material things of the world, we are often enamored by the day to day happenings of this world.
One of the things which get in the way of our being solely devoted to God may be the dream of what we think will make our lives better. That is the snare the Israelite people fell into. They had an image in their heads of what the Messiah would be like. They were excited at the prospect of a man coming into their situation and rescuing them from the things they felt were their burdens in life. In Jesus’ time that meant the Romans.
The fact is we can’t completely ignore these things in our lives but they must be kept in their proper place. When we start looking for someone to come along and be the hero in our lives we don’t tend to ask God what He is wanting us to do in the situation. He has given each of us gifts which we are to use for the furthering of His kingdom. Not that He can’t do it without us but He desires us to work for Him in His kingdom. We are His ambassadors and must take our role as seriously as Jesus took His role.
As His ambassadors we are to bring the Word of God to His people and the world. We need to learn to do this both in word and deed. The more we act like Christ the more we will be revealing Him to those around us. We need to ask ourselves what will make us effective ambassadors.
Making It Personal
What are your biggest snares in trying to live as Christ? Do you look to Christ more for what He can give you instead of who He is? What can you do to right your focus about His mission for His people?
Making It Personal Kids
Are there things in your life which get in the way of you trying to follow Jesus as He wants you to? What kind of things distract you from obeying Jesus? Do you want to do what Jesus wants you to do?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that more times than not we forget we are not made for ourselves. You have created us for a special purpose and we need to use Your gifts to live for Your glory. Help us see what You want us to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Comments