Dave’s Monday Blast – March 2, 2015

What gives you and I significance? The author of the Book of Jude tells us in his letter to the early church that you and I are “called”, “beloved” and “secure or preserved” in Christ. Our significance comes from these truths. It begs the question then…what are we called to? You and I were called into relationship with our creator to accomplish His purposes (Ephesians 2:10). This calling is based upon His love for us, and because He NEVER changes, His calling upon our lives will NEVER change. 

In Philippians 2 the first truly INTENTIONAL MAN demonstrates for us what it takes to accomplish all that God has “called” us to do. The bottom line is that we must rid ourselves of all “selfishness and empty conceit”. Scripture defines this as possessing the heart of a servant. But if we struggle with significance, we will struggle to possess this type of heart. 

In a recent article from In Touch Ministries we read: “In His great love, God places us where He wants us to serve, and every task we undertake should be given our all, whether there’s one person listening or a multitude. We ultimately serve Jesus, and He is not concerned with the recognition we receive. He desires our obedience and our best effort. This is true for all believers.” That’s good isn’t it!

I believe the Lord calls us to a life of service for several reasons:

First, it rids us of pride and selfishness, and allows us to focus on Him.

Second, we proclaim our love for Christ through our care for one another. 

Third, God tests and purifies our hearts through service. This is a motive check.

Men desire to be successful. The world defines success as “achieving predetermined goals”. Scripture’s definition, however, is different. Success=Obedience. In other words, to be successful from a Biblical perspective we allow God to set the goals.