Daily Word – Monday 04 September 2006

NOT WITH EYESERVICE, AS MENPLEASERS; BUT AS THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST, DOING THE WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART.

 [Ephesians 6:6]

Ever found yourself going somewhere or doing something you felt convicted you shouldn’t do, in order to please someone?

Ever said yes when you know that God wanted you to say no?

Now most of you will think that I am referring to acts of sin, but not so. There are times in our lives when we can find ourselves being manipulated or pressured into doing something in the ministry (taking over the Sunday school, running the youth, arranging a fundraiser etc) that we know in our hearts God hasn’t called us to do.

And more often than not the person making the request honestly believes that you’re the best person for the job and so neglects to actually pray for Gods direction in the matter.

The consequences of this is that you find yourself in a position God didn’t place you in, and wonder why you feel so tired and frustrated and ultimately burnt out. Someone once said to me ‘don’t expect God to empower you to do something he never called you to do’.

Now I’m not suggesting that we over spiritualize this and respond to every request for help or support with the phrase ‘I’ll have to pray about it’ which all too often means ‘I don’t want to get involved’; but rather that we commit to pleasing God first, even when occasionally it means having to say no!

Remember, God better than anyone knows where you should be and what you should be doing. His is the only approval you need; say yes to him this week!

Have a God-pleasing Monday,

Much love,

Chrissy.