There were two lines in particular that really were helpful to me:
"some preach Christ out of envy & rivalry, but others out of good will" vs15
I guess as a "preacher" this of course challenges my motives. What motivates me to do well? What audience am I living for? Who’s approval am I seeking? Why do certain people's compliments mean more than others? Why do certain people's criticisms sting more than others? Am I alone in this?
This has application beyond "public preaching" obviously, and is likely one of those things I will always need to work on. . . But Paul helps me see the goal more clearly, that I would only be concerned with full-out obedience to Him.
"Sufficient courage" vs 20
We have been reading a few nights a week at supper with the kids and last night we talked about 1:10, being able to make wise choices. Jill and I were trying to convince the kids that likely 90% of the choices they face will be easy to make but hard to follow thru on. I've found it true in my own life, whether its in my marriage, or taking time to parent, or to lead the church well, its not that I don't know what I'm supposed to do, its whether I have the courage to press on when it gets hard. So, I will be adding this to my prayer life. . . how about you?
Do you have "audience issues" like me? Where you forget who you are trying to impress most?
Are you facing something that requires courage?
Thanks for listening in...
Rob
2 comments:
Good piercing questions Rob.
You're so right - when we start examining our motives things get difficult. Yet, I'm so glad that the Gospel doesn't just address surface issues or tell us to look good on the outside, it gets to and addresses the heart issues.
Courage. Good prayer. You're right, no matter our age (kids, teens, older...) we usually know what's right and what's wrong or what needs to be done. The difficult part is the follow through - the courage.
Right now I think we require courage collectively as Main Street Church to keep moving ahead towards the future on Forbes Dr/211 Main St that God has for us, for the sake of blessing this city. That takes courage to keep moving ahead step by step together. It'll be a good prayer from verse 20 - that we'll have sufficient courage...so that Christ will be exalted.
I don’t always do the right thing, sometimes I do the fast thing. I agree that most of us know when we mess up. As a teacher, I’m out front too…I make for an easy target and for sure, my courage is tested every single day!
I find it easier to be courageous when I take the initiative and be responsible in the moment; that might mean to say something (rather than letting it pass) or to do something (to get involved).
But it doesn’t have to be a big thing. I can show concern, ask a question that causes someone to think, share a personal goal, or set a time with someone to chat. Something’s require a Swiss cheese approach….poking a hole in a bigger mountain.
Taking the high road isn’t easy and I might not even be consistent but character is worth it. I love what Renee said on Sunday about not getting dull but allowing yourself to shine. There's a song "Shine on for Jesus...shone on! It is when we make the right choice that we shine a little brighter.
I am having a good day in that regard. Hopefully, prayerfully, another one will follow tomorrow! Learning about Paul’s passion through the voices of our narrators has been phenomenal! I’m really enjoying Main Street.
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