Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bold (emotionally) (08/30/07)
-
TITLE: If We Don�t Use Our Gifts, Who Will? | Previous Challenge Entry
By
09/04/07 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I remember once how a minister, who was making an effective appeal for greater emphasis on soul-winning, reacted when I told him at lunch how God has blessed me with the opportunity to raise some horses and goats in my spare time. He acted as if I had just told him I had purchased a gambling casino. He seemed to think a pastor should have no life other than reading and praying with people and preaching.
Had he not immediately turned away, as if from blasphemy, he would have heard how raising these animals has been a valuable source of down-to-earth spiritual object lessons which have blessed others. We need to resist the temptation to conform to the medium and the conventional when it comes to things of the Spirit and live boldly!
All too often we try to share too much about God to those who are not ready, and by doing so, we build up resistance to the truth and even become discouraged ourselves. If we love people enough to discern what they are ready for, if we give them truth, measured according to how God has led their interests thus far, then we are more effectively nurturing their spiritual growth instead of just throwing them whatever doctrine is on our agenda at the moment. The simple object lessons from my hobby of raising horses often have been received by people who might be turned off by the teaching of doctrines.
You may not be interested in raising horses or goats, but is it possible that God has placed you in an environment through which you might bless others in unconventional ways? Might He have given you interests in the course of your everyday living through which you can connect with people and become a more effective conduit of God’s truth if you step out boldly? Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Seriously, I truly enjoyed this. It brought some real levity to how I view my pastors and other clergy members. Your message came through loud and clear. Point well made.