The Daily Word of Righteousness

Gifts and Ministries, #5

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3)

The Lord is not requiring that we attempt to go forth and "do big things for God." He asks only that we judge ourselves soberly according to the measure of faith God has given us.

It is difficult, but necessary, to find that perfect balance where we neither are "stepping out in faith" (presumption) or involving ourselves so heavily in the world spirit that we are neglecting to hold ourselves before the Lord as a priest.

Sometimes people believe and express that "if God wants to use me I am willing." The Lord ordinarily will not come down and force a person into ministry. We have to hold ourselves in readiness so the minute God speaks we can obey.

Of course, to disobey the Lord when He makes His will clear to us is absolutely unthinkable! We are the slaves of Jesus Christ. Let us remember that, for the only free individual is he or she who is a slave of Christ.

A Christian who disobeys Christ in the present hour, when the drums of Hell are beating to the attack, can count on experiencing unbearable torment and remorse in the future.

God is our Father and He loves us dearly. But a disobedient, rebellious son will be chastised very severely, and may lose altogether his place in the Kingdom of God. Let no one deceive you—it is just this serious. We have lost the fear of God in America, and the wise among us will pray until God restores His fear to them.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, (Romans 12:4)

The human body has many members. Each part of the body serves a vital purpose. So it is with the Body of the Christ. There is no part without a vital purpose. The Holy Spirit has given to each of us a contribution to make. If we do not make our contribution we shall suffer in the Day of Christ for our laziness and carelessness.

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5)

That the Christ of the Jews consists of the great Head and also a Body is a major part of the revelation given to the Apostle Paul. We are fragmented in the present hour by local churches and denominations. But there is only the one Body of Christ.

The members belong to each other. This relationship is stronger than flesh and blood. Remember, as the Lord taught us by example, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, are those who do the will of God.

It may help us to become serious about our gifts and ministries when we realize the ones whom we build up in Christ are as members of our own bodies, of our own selves.

To be continued.