“It seems,” I said to Stan one morning, “you spend a lot of time doing things for God. Do you consider that as an obligation?”
“Yes and no,” Stan replied. “I think it’s definitely an obligation in the sense of serving God as a response of thankfulness for all He has done.”
“After all,” he continued, “God has granted me the assurance of spending eternity with Him when it’s time. As well, He has given me the opportunity to know Him and Jesus on this side of eternity. Who wouldn’t feel obligated to be thankful?”
“So that’s the ‘Yes’ part,” I replied. “What about the ‘No’ part? How is it not an obligation?”
“I view being able to serve God as an honor,” Stan responded. “Who am I that the Lord God Almighty would choose to allow me to be a part of what He’s doing to accomplish His will and His purposes?”
Continuing, he said, “And I think Jesus reaffirmed this when He was talking to me about being with Him, gathering in accordance with His will.”
“He said something about that?” I asked.
“Sure did, and sure does,” Stan replied. “It’s recorded in Matthew’s gospel, and gives me the sense that if I choose not to be a part of what God is doing, He will find someone else.”
Concluding, he said, “It’s kind of like God taps me on the shoulder and says, ‘Stan, I have something for you to do today, something that will make a difference for me. You available?’ How foolish would I be if I said ‘No, I think I’ll pass’?”
“No,” Stan added, “I jump at every chance to serve God. It’s an honor, not an obligation!”
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He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:30.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for allowing me to choose to be a part of what you do to accomplish your will and your purposes. I confess I too often choose not to be a part of what you are doing. I do that because I want to do what I want to do apart from you. Please forgive me of all the foolishness of those choices. Please, Father, help me in following every step of your lead so I choose always to accept the honor of being able to serve you and to be a part of what you are doing. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Is serving God and honor or an obligation? Why? Do you look forward to every opportunity to be a part of what God is doing to accomplish His will and purposes? Why or why not? If you choose not to be involved with what God is doing, do you think He will find someone else? Why or why not? If you miss an opportunity to serve God, what does that look and feel like?
Waiting for the Train 