Chapel Service
Evergreen Speedway
August 16, 2014
“A Christian’s Job Description-Part 2”
www.BeyondCheckeredFlags.com
Bob Butcher
Last time out in Iowa we talked about our individual job description according to God’s plan when it pertained to other people around us; whether family, friend, business relationships, or teammates.
However, our job does not stop there when we make the choice to live a Christian lifestyle. When we make that choice we also step into a whole new area in our relation to our Creator God, the King of Kings, Lord God, or whatever name that you best know Him by at any given time.
Let’s look into that today since that entails a new and hugely important area to be attentive too. Most often we easily tend to completely overlook these areas of
1. Our AFFECTIONS: Should be supremely set upon God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30)
2. Our AFFECTIONS: Should be set upon the commandments of God
(Psalms 19:8-10; Psalms 119 verses: 20,97,103,167)
3. Our AFFECTIONS: Should be set upon the house and worship of God
(Exodus 34:14;1 Chronicles 29:3;
Matthew 4:10)
4. Our AFFECTIONS: Should be zealously engaged for God (Psalms 69:9; Psalms 119:139; Galatians 4:18)
5. Our AFFECTIONS: Should be always readily aware of the Blessedness of making God the object of my love
6. Our OBEDIANCE Must be to God in Faith:
(James 1:22-25, James 2 verses: 14,17,26, Isaiah 1:19, 1 Samuel 15: 22-23; Acts 5:29)
7. We must Live by FAITH to please God: (Romans 1:17)
Matthew 22:37: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” expands the first commandment in what is called the great commandment of the law. Among all the things in our lives that we are to devote to God, this leaves very little out! It impacts on every facet of our lives. What can we do that does not involve our very life, emotions, and intellect?
This commandment, therefore, involves the FEAR, (fear here means RESPECT but also really does mean fear on Judgement Day), SERVICE, OBEDIENCE, and WORSHIP of the great God who is the Creator.
The dictionary definition of worship says it involves intense ADMIRATION, ADORATION, HONOR, and DEVOTION to someone or something.
Practically, worship is our response to the god we choose to serve; or to the one and only LIVING, CREATOR GOD.
If we respect someone greatly, does not our respect cause us to behave differently because of him? If we know he will be in our area, do we not try to spend some time with him or at least see him? Maybe we plan to give him a gift. If we know his habits, do we not try to emulate him, such as copying his manner of dress or his speech? When we are in his company and he suggests we do something, are we not moved to comply?
In Western civilization, people and institutions reach heights of admiration that drive some to do all sorts of unusual things. Teens, mothers, and even grandmothers will swoon over a crooning singer. Fans will practically tear the clothing from a rock star. Men, women, boys and men idolize our race driver heroes by wearing their clothes and other insignia. At political conventions, grown adults will act like mindless fools in behalf of their candidate.
It is this principle that is involved in keeping the first commandment. The respect and response we give to men, things, or the self should be given to God. Do we devote as much time, concern, or effort in admiring God’s great abilities as Creator as we do some human performer? God created the potential for the abilities and beauty we may admire in humans. His abilities are far greater!
Respect is not a trust we give easily and consistently unless we see qualities that are strong, pure, faithful, and serving. God has these qualities and more. He is the quintessence of every good quality, demonstrating them throughout the history of mankind and lovingly revealing them to us personally. He deserves our eager respect. We have everything to gain by giving it because it will greatly aid our progress in preparing for His Kingdom.
1 Peter 2:16 “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s servants sold out to Him only.”
We are to submit because we are servants of God! We are all servants of God, so our submission is out of respect for God. Are we aware that our liberty appears in this context? Our freedom, our liberty, is to consciously choose to submit. People in the world whose choice of life is without God’s input do not have that liberty. If they submit, they do so out of fear of the power of the authorities. We are free to submit out of deep respect and an abiding love for God. They lack that freedom.
Lastly, let me comment upon one important thought to be mindful of:
Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise due Me to idols.”
It is important to acknowledge when the GLORY and the PRAISE belongs to God and not ourselves. I know I get awful nervous and upset when someone speaks about their success, their victory, and their accomplishments like it was all their doing; thus ignoring their team’s involvement, their parents & family’s sacrifice, and MOST OF ALL; GOD’S IMPARTING HIS TALENTS that was used and developed with the help of many. That is messing with God’s glory in my mind and VERY dangerous. Like it or not, God has been involved in our lives from the beginning. Out gifting and specific talents were placed within us by God, the Creator for very important reasons in His dreams for our lives. It is up to us whether we choose to develop those gifts and talents or go our own direction. He never forces us to do anything…PERIOD. However, let’s remember God and others when we go to celebrating our success. It is respect and honor due Him and others.
In closing here is a quote of mine to stop and think about: “Every day, at any given moment, your next choice carries a great opportunity to have self discipline.”