In the work of the Lord we are constantly pursuing in our thinking “ways” to improve the effectiveness of our ministry; and I am not alone in this area. I would be remiss if I did not admit to ending my thinking in the trash can far more often than continuing to pursue the idea as of the Lord.
We are faced with the truth that while many people are “church shopping”, there are an awful number of people, “church hopping”. They have little knowledge of the Scriptures, and have less than average solidifying of doctrinal differences. As for separation from worldly habits, there is little or no distinction whatsoever. To what do we attribute this particular problem? Little is said about it, and less is desired to hear about it. One might conclude that an intimate walk with the Lord is lacking. The Apostle Paul, addressing Timothy who was brought up under home tutelage, as well as being taught by the apostle himself, was instructed to: “Be diligent to present your-self approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Again, we might attribute this to a “quickie” in time spent with the Lord and His Word; too busy for God and His Word? Too busy!
I love the words of Romans 1:1…”Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…” How we need a fresh commitment to “who we are” and “how we represent Him 24-7! How many of our friends know about our relationship to Christ? “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Join me in thoughtful consideration as to how we can show separation as well as the “sweet aroma” to which we refer!
ETCetera 