Are you working alone?
Neither restoration nor reformation will come until we stop treating the truths of Scripture like Christian clichés. For me, the challenge of this has come in two well-known passages: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV) and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
As you think about these passages what does the Holy Spirit bring to your heart and mind? Here are some thoughts that may have you rethinking how you approach your daily “doing.”
1. These are wise words.Jesus and Paul chose their words wisely. Specifically, I am referring to the words “nothing” and “all”. They are absolute and extreme opposites.
2. Jesus confirmed this in a parable. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) warns us that a servant of the Master can choose to do nothing with the talent entrusted to him; and that, with dire consequence.
3. Let’s be honest. “Without me” and “through Christ” are the differentiators which hold “nothing” and “all” on opposite ends of the spectrum. Assuming Christians naturally (i.e., passively) do everything through Christ is a common deception. Jesus warned against this kind of thinking in Matthew 7:21-23. This assumption is the working of our carnal mind. The enemy that lies within is at enmity with God and His children. Consequently, active and aggressive resistance is required.
4. Where are you working from? When we consider the whole of our life in light of the nothing-or-all spectrum, we will find ourselves at some point between the two extremes. This point represents an average and is affected greatly by our past. However, in the present, we must avoid looking at the work and talent entrusted to us from the perspective of averages.
In the present, there is no spectrum; there is only choice. We will either do nothing without Christ, or we will do all things through Christ. Our carnal mind would have us be less determined and disciplined.
Don’t be deceived into thinking this is complicated. It only requires that we ask ourselves one very simple question, Am I doing this with and through Christ, or not? Believe me, the answer comes quickly and with courage.
Photo source: istock
 | Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More » |
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