SERVICE OR RELATIONSHIP

What does God really require most from us as Christians; service or relationship ?. This is a mind searching question which I believe many has never reflected on. But this is an issue of concern for all and sundry in the body of Christ.

In the beginning of creation, God did not create servants or errand boys who will be at his beck and call, carrying out all sort of activities for him. God said "Let us make man in our own image...". It is never, "let us make servants to render service for us". In other words God created man in his express image and gave man dominion over his other creatures. God established a relationship with man (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:8). God did not call man into servitude as servants who must laboriously exhaust themselves to please their task master. God called man unto sonship(Galatians 4:6-7) for fellowship and relationship.

Service and or sacrifice to God is good. It is desirable and most pleasant, but it should never take the place of relationship. It should not be meant to create relationship with God either because it is our reconciliation with God that gained us relationship with him. It is not by works but by faith in Christ(Ephesians 2:8-9).

Our service or sacrifice to God must have a foundation. A foundation with the seal and recognition of God. It is upon this foundation that God recognizes those who are really his(2Timothy 2:19).This foundation is the platform of our relationship with God and when we stand on this foundation our service then becomes an expression of obedience. It becomes a reasonable service, a sweet smelling savor and not an activity or task.

Until we are recognize on this foundation, our rigorous church attendance, prayer meetings, fund raising, giving, choir and youth leadership, preaching, teaching etc becomes a laborious religious activity. We must stand first on the covenant platform of our Lord Jesus Christ before our service could be acceptable (Psalm50:5). God created and owns the world(Psalm24:1-2)and requires not the permission of man for whatever he wants. Yet he sincerely craves for relationship with man - with you and me.

Seek relationship and fellowship with him today.

                       BY : GODYCREATIVE

“WHEN GOD REACTED TO DESPISE”

To regard something or somebody as worthless, low, with disdain and or angry dislike; that is an expression of Despise.Consciously or not, we all get entangled in Despise in different ways.  We can show it in words, expressions and remarks.  We can also show it in our actions, behaviors, attitude and looks. In whatever ways, Despise is usually directed to a person, persons or thing.

When we treat the poor around us with great disdain. When we deliberately overlook or disobey parental instructions (for example, contracting a marriage in total disregard to parental consent and presence). A mockery expression to friends or people going through trial moments in life, disregard to those who helped  us get to the top, keeping visitors ( especially the poor) waiting for too long for no good reason before receiving them – either in office or house, etc. Sowing Despise could be as a result of our status in life and society, seniority, financial ability, talents and or mere inherent character. These are deliberate and unassuming ways we express Despise and in most cases, we easily go away with it. One of the reasons here could possibly be that the person or persons we show Despise to lacks the audacity and ability to react.

It is however a different ball game when we show Despise to God. A Despise to the Church / Body of Christ, to a Church Leader / Leadership, to Divine / Kingdom responsibilities handed to us – are great Despise to God. Most dangerously, when we doubt God in gross unbelief – to the potency and efficacy of his word, and his ability to do that which he says he will do. God frowns at this. His reaction to it may be spontaneous or prolong; but certainly it must come to pass especially where repentance is not shown.

God remains the loving and ever merciful father we all know. But he is also a consuming fire, the God of vengeance and judgment. In I Samuel 2:30; the Bible says God honors those that honor him and those that despise him shall be lightly esteemed. This sounds scary but it is the truth. One lesson of note here is that Despise is an off-shoot of a “proud look” – one of the seven abominations God hates. (Read Proverbs 6:16-17).

In 1Samuel 2:22-30; God was angry with Eli the Priest and his two sons (Hophni and Phinehas). They despised divine responsibility. They despised to God.  They ministers together with their father in the house of God but at a time they took divine charge for granted. They laid with women who came to the house of God and also manipulated offerings brought to the house of God. Both of them were in the business of immorality and covetousness in course of their duties. Eli served God faithfully as a priest (remember he offered the prophetic prayer that manifested Samuel). But God’s anger to Eli was his inability to discipline his children on serious issues like this – even when God brought it to his awareness. God warned but they heeded not.

In 1Samuel 2:31-36, God reacted to their great Despise. In Samuel 4: 11 & 18, God’s reaction came to pass. The two sons of Eli and even Eli himself died. Above all, the Priesthood was taken from their family and given to another. There was a replacement and little Samuel was the choice.

In 2 Kings 7:1-2; in the midst of sever famine in Israel, God spoke through his servant Elisha for a miraculous abundance of food in less 24 hours. This should bring the famine to an end. The officer assisting the King doubted the word of God spoken through his servant. He remarked that even if God opened the windows of Heaven, it would be impossible to have abundance of food in Israel as Elisha stated.  What an open Despise to God!!.

Instantly Jehovah reacted through his servant. Elisha pronounced that the officer would see the abundance but won’t partake in it. In verse 17 and 18 of this same chapter; the reaction of God came to pass. The king’s officer was knocked down and trampled to death at the gate by people who were rushing for food; the same people he was asked to coordinate.

As Christians, we must be watchful. Our behaviors and actions could suggest Despise to Almighty God diverse ways. He may be silent but certainly there is a day when he will react.

‘ THIS THING CALLED “COMPROMISE”

There are varying definitions of Compromise. However for the purpose of this write up we are going to take on one – which defines Compromise as making someone or something open or expose to dishonor, ridicule, shame and or danger. In other words, there are acts or actions that can bring one to dishonor, ridicule, shame and danger of hell fire.

There is what I call the “double digits” of Compromise. The first one is that an individual can personally compromise him or herself. That is to say, with your own hands or by yourself, you indulge in acts which exposes you to dishonor and shame. Not necessarily before men but before God. I say so because most act of compromise men or Christians indulge in are acceptable to men. Immorality, cheating, corruption, pride, etc. For instance, a marriage between a man and his fellow man is accepted in society today in the name of respect for right. Making money by dubious and or diabolic means is heralded by men and those involve in such act tagged as successful men; and possibly given tittles. These actions no matter how they are praised by men are despised by God.

In Genesis chapter 39 verses 7 – 9, before men, it couldn’t have mattered much if a Youngman like Joseph slept with his master’s wife. Afterall, it was the woman who came calling. Today it is an acceptable lifestyle amongst youths who indulge in such act as a means to an end. Society applauds it but before God it is not allowed. In Daniel chapter 1 verse 3-8, before men it is acceptable for Daniel to eat of the King’s food. There is nothing wrong with that, the King willfully provided it. Is it wrong to eat nice food provided by the King? But before God, it is not acceptable because Daniel by so doing could have compromised his status and be distracted.

The second or other digit of Compromise is that an individual can also allow him or herself to be compromised. May be by someone, friends, family, circumstances and or situations. This happens when you follow multitude, popular opinion or societal trend, just for the gains and at the end you displease God. In Genesis 39 : 10-13, Joseph refused to allow his Master’s wife to cause him to compromise. He chose to please God. Same Genesis 37:2, Joseph refused to be compromised by his brother’s evil actions. He always reported them to their father. In Daniel 3:14-19, the three Hebrew boys refused to allow the threat of being thrown into the furnace of fire to cause them to compromise. They chose to disobey the King and please God.

As humans, we all move to places to attain our dreams, aspirations and life goals. In the course of this, God allows us to dwell among different people and in different locations. It might be school, workplace, neighbourhood, business places, etc. The issue here is not where you find yourself or where you are, but you being able to maintain your identity as a Christian and refuse to compromise or be compromised.

There some reasons why as a Christian or child of God, you must not allow compromise. First, for the fear of God. You don’t own yourself; you are accountable to someone somewhere, and who demands your reverence, love and accountability. In all this, if you are found wanting, he will definitely bring you into judgment. Read Eccl. 11:9-12. Second, the thing that lures you to compromise has one target – your soul. Your sudden destruction and eternal damnation. Read 1 Peter2:11. Third, for the sake of your dreams and or aspirations in life.  If you have plans and a strong desire of what you want to be, where you want to be – as having a big picture of the future. For this you must be focused and discipline yourself against the enticements of compromise. Joseph did it, you can do it.

There is also what I can the cost of compromise. This is the price or consequences of compromise or of being compromised. Compromise is a dream killer. By it you can truncate your destiny and frustrate God’s plan for your life. The life (birth) and end of Samson speaks volume here. Samson had a peculiar birth – with great and glorious destiny from God. But a life of compromise made him to die a blind and desperate and frustrated man. Read the book of Judges 13:3-5, and chapter 16. Also read Jeremiah 18:9-10.

REMEMBER SAMSON. DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR DESTINY.

          

                      BY:    Godwin Luba

                               (Godycreative).

                      godycreative.blogspot.com