Thinking back over my recent posts, I wanted to explain I am not trying to be negative towards any one person or any group of people. Just putting out the thoughts that I've had in general over the circumstances I face in life. To point some of this in a more positive direction ...
I sometimes find myself looking at others and questioning "what are they doing"? If your in the work place and someone isn't doing their part, it really is frustrating. It can also be experienced in our homes, places of worship, and just about anywhere that two or more people get together.
Didn't one of the disciples of Jesus ask about what one of the other disciples was going to be doing? I need to find that scripture.
Anyhow, going back to the thoughts from Heb 12:2, "looking unto Jesus", instead of looking around at others. If I am doing my part, then that is all God asks of me. He may ask me to help bear someones burden, but I need to be careful not to forget I am doing it for God, and not let my thoughts get caught up in "I have to pick up the slack" mentality.
An old hymn came to my mind. Have not heard it in years, ,but for some reason it has been playing in my mind with the repeat setting on.
I Will Do My Part
- It may be little that I can do,
Nor may I have much to say,
But in that little I mean to be true,
And do what I can today.- Refrain:
From the depths of my heart I will do my part
With a ready and willing hand;
And I will not shirk, I will faithfully work
In the place that my Lord hath planned.
- Refrain:
- The work He giveth may lowly be,
It may not win man’s applause,
But if I do what He chooses for me,
I know it will help His cause. - In vain no service that love may give,
No matter how small it be;
In God’s remembrance it ever shall live
To shine in eternity. - In that fair day, when the crowns are brought
For those who have faithful proved,
There will be one for each soul that has wrought—
For all that have worked and loved.
6 comments:
True again. Thanks for sharing.
You're Right. It is between no group or even just two people; it's only between God and one person. I like the attitude you exhibit in "not doing it because I have to pick up the slack" mentality. I'm sure God will reward a "proud doer" as much as a "cheerful giver" even though no one else may appreciate it. Also, I should ask, are you saying that you and (other readers) are not following what you've been directed by someone, but what you've personally been shown by God whatever that be?
The nightingale:
Not necessarily. I beleive there are God given leaders, but if your Christian experience ever gets outside of 1 on 1 with God, then your don't have a good experience.
What I was dealing with in my mind is making sure that the work God has given me is not hindered because I'm worrying about the person on the pew in front of me is doing.
Look at 1 Cor 3:6-7
If my job is to water, but someone does not appear to be planting ahead of me, I still need to water. Maybe God is trying to soften the ground first. If my job is to plant, but it seems no one is watering, I still need to plant because that is what God has given me to do.
Sometimes, we forget that God giveth the increase. We take the seed, and try to drive it in the ground. In the process, the seed is damaged, and the ground is packed so tight that nothing wants to grow. We must remember what our job is and keep on doing what he asks - any more or less that what we are asked to do is technically out of God's perfect will. His ways are higher than our ways. He knows what He is doing when we are not so sure.
I know this doesn't have alot to do with what your post was on, but in all seriousness, nothing else meant than what is being asked: If you had an problem issue, and you asked a leader what they felt you should do about this issue and then later, asked God about it and received an answer that didn't parallel with what your leader gave you, ultimately, what would you choose to do? Yes, I know you should've asked God first, but in this instance, you didn't.
The nightingale:
One scripture comes to mind. (1Co 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Even Paul cautioned the Corinthians to validate his own actions.
The answer for me would be to take the road God asked you to take. Ultimately, you will need to know if you are in His perfect will, instead of the will of another man. Also, if the decision goes against what your "leader" gives you then your decisions must line up with God's word.
To avoid hard feelings with the "leader", it would be beneficial to review the final decision and explain why you beleive God is leading you in this path.
A "leader" who realizes your relationship with God is personal (as opposed to wishy-washy!) will let you make your decisions without being critical. It may be your human reasoning got in the way and you make a mistake. The "leader" should help you get back on your feet.
In the event that you made the correct decision, the "leader" should recognize your deep relationship with Christ and reflect on why their advice was not the right direction for you.
One more scenario. Often times "leaders" earn (hopefully) your confidence and you may take their advice because of the respect you have for them. Ultimately, I beleive you are responsible for the decision that is made, but they will also answer for the counsel they have given.
Hope this helps, although 80% of this is my own thoughts. If you want more scripture references I will be willing to study this out deeper.
I think that's a fair answer. Looking forward to your next post soon. Thanks for answering.
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