When you go "beach combing" through the four gospels in the New Testament in search of Jesus's direct words to the various groups of people you'll make amazing discoveries and many little nugget shells of advice, admonition and wisdom from above.
From Matthew 7:3, 4, 9, 10, and 16 the admonition was about hypocrisy. Beware of the pointing the finger at others. Examine your own eye and see what you can see. Confess your own faults to God before looking at someone else's.
God gives good gifts even better than an earthly father can give to his offspring; those that are not dangerous or hazardous to one's self. However, if God gives such good gifts and only has our good interests at heart, why do we have so little faith? Why so afraid to trust (Matthew 8:26)? Let's learn to trust Him.
Do we produce fruit for Jesus? Time will tell what kind of fruit.
There will always be people who criticize us and our methods of doing things but just focus and continue on serving the Lord to the best of your abilities. You can examine yourself to see if there is any truth in the accusations and then deal with them, otherwise continue on. Jesus was not exempt from criticism but He did confront it head on. Of course He had the advantage of knowing men's hearts. You can see that in Mathew 9:4.
When we feel hurt and are tempted to grumble and complain about those who would criticize, remember the thoughts of the following poem...
| Job or Ministry | Author: Unknown | |
| Source: Unknown |
Others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What's the difference?
If you are doing it just because no one else will, it's a JOB.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it's a MINISTRY.
If you'll do it only if it does not interfere with your other activities, it's a JOB.
If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a JOB.
If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a MINISTRY.
It's hard to get excited about a JOB.
It's almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.
If our concern is success, it's a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it's a MINISTRY.
An average church is filled with people doing JOBS.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.
Where do we fit in?
What about us?
If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don't treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.
God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB,
But excited and faithful to Him in a MINISTRY.
Continue on because the Holy Spirit of God is still busily at work on earth so we too, need to be busy while there is still time and hope for those who do not yet know Christ as Lord and Savior (Matthew 9:15). Spread the message of Jesus when and where you have opportunity and live the Christian life in such a way that your good words match your actions.
In Matthew 10:28-31 there is hope and encouragement to those of God's children who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. May they be encouraged and spurred on to God's good work despite scare tactics from Satan, his minions and/or people. The Lord Jesus cares about them and knows what they are going through. He did promise in Psalm 23:4 to be with you in the valley of the shadow of death. I pray though that you, my brothers and sisters in Christ who are reading this and do have to face this type of situation, that you will have courage and can overcome any fear you may have. God is with you wherever you are.
Matthew 10:30 and 31 encourage...
"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
"So don't be afraid, you are more valuable than many sparrows."
May we all be found faithful to our loving heavenly Father, God all the days of our lives until He comes for us.
Do stay tuned, for more "beach combing"...Jesus had much to say to mankind.
~ERC 2017~
Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog July 2017
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