"Protecting Our Security"

 "And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:" (Hebrews 6:11 KJV)

  "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." (Romans 12:6-8 NLT)

 If you have been serving the Lord for any amount of time, you should know by now what God has gifted you with, whether it is teaching, giving, or serving; but whatever it is, it needs to be done as if you are doing it for the Lord! This was something that Pastor Chuck understood, as he decided to serve the Lord instead of going into a secular business. What motivated him was a verse from a poem: "Only One Life Twill Soon be Past; Only What's Done for Christ Will Last." 

 There are certain things that we do, sometimes without getting much recognition or thanks. Some might take that as something they are offended by, while others don't look for it as pleasing man, but to be a chance to please the Lord. That is what we must focus on, Pleasing Jesus! He is who we will be given an account to, for whatever it is that we do. 

 Basically, the point I am trying to make, is that we must protect our hearts from being offended or feeling as though we are being used. Even if it is the case, that someone might be using you for your service, we are to remain humble and serve well to the best of our ability! I had learned something from Zig a long time ago, concerning secular work, "Work to the best of your ability, and if your employer doesn't acknowledge your efforts, someone else will come along and acknowledge you, and offer you more!" 

 Anywho, this is basically about guarding our hearts and making sure that our motives for serving are in the right place. Having been in ministry for quite a while, I have seen the actions of some who serve, as they might serve in certain areas, like cleaning the church or teaching Sunday school; but when it comes to giving, some don't even tithe, because they consider their time as giving enough. 

 We are not here for safe keeping; we are here to serve the Lord! In whatever He leads you into, do it as if He is watching and keeping track of your every move: Because He is, even in the simple things, like sharing with one another...

"Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On the day when I will act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those that serve God and those who do not."" (Malichi 3:16-18 NLT)