I took down my Christmas tree Monday, December 11, a day most might be setting one up.

     An infestation of aphids made it impossible to keep our decorated Douglas Fir up through the holiday season. My husband and I cut it in the Lassen National Forest the day after Thanksgiving. It was on the back deck for nearly a week before we brought it inside to decorate and we saw no evidence of bugs. However, during a quick Internet search I learned aphids can rapidly reproduce in a warm home. Multiply they did!

     The aphids we unknowingly carried into the house caused quite a mess. When we realized the dark clumps along the tree trunk were bug colonies and not weathered bark, I began to strip the tree of ornaments. Once the tree was out in the snow, we vacuumed the rug and nearby furniture, then shampooed the carpet. We washed walls, threw the curtains in the washing machine, and even cleaned the windows. We had to be sure the house was thoroughly cleansed of aphids.

     It was at least four hours of intensive work that morning and more later in the afternoon putting ornaments away and pushing the furniture back in place. As I worked throughout the day, I began contemplating the similarity between the aphids getting transported into our house via a Christmas tree and sin entering our lives unaware.

     It is possible to be oblivious to sin until the Holy Spirit convicts us. But is it possible to become more aware and prevent the infestation before we have a mess to clean up? Following are a few precautions we might take.

**Acknowledge our tendency to sin.

     In an A-to-Z guide to Bible application I have on my bookshelf I read, “The first step toward avoiding sin is to acknowledge our tendency to sin. Only then will we be ready to say no.”¹

     For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me. Psalm 38:17 NASB

     Since we are sinners by nature we are always “on the verge of sin as if we were walking along the edge of a cliff and could fall at any moment.”

     It’s good to navigate our days as if we were walking through a minefield. Just as we would avoid stepping on a mine by changing direction, we can avoid stepping into sin the same way.

**Understand what it means to sin.

     We sin when we violate the law of God and thus rebel against Him.

     The apostle John wrote: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4

     We go our own way even though we know God has the best for us and his commands are for our good.

     The first created being to rebel against God was Lucifer. Not content with his position among the angels he desired to be higher than God (Isaiah 14:12-15). Lucifer, now referred to as Satan, deceived Adam and Eve with the lie that they could become like God by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 3)

     Now we all have the tendency to desire to live life our way rather than God’s way. Through Adam, we became sinners by nature.²

**Be watchful and strong in the Lord.

     According to James 4:17 to know what is right and not do it is sin. As we study God’s Word we learn what is right. When I am not sure how to implement a direction given by God, I ask the Holy Spirit to teach me.

     However, if I am truthful, sometimes I must fight the flesh to follow God. Jesus told His disciples to be on guard and in prayer so they would not enter into temptation.

     Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

     Adam and Eve entered into temptation. It’s not just the flesh that makes us vulnerable but Satanic forces. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-18 to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. This is accomplished by putting on the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. Paul names the armor as the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

     Next year, if I get a fresh tree from the forest, I will certainly be more watchful of bugs. But God has given me a spiritual lesson from a physical experience and for that I am grateful. In the future I hope to remain watchful, knowing how sinful ways can so easily become habitual if allowed to go unchecked. Like the infestation of aphids on my Christmas tree.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo by Jill Wellington courtesy of Pixabay

Let’s Talk:

1-Describe a time when you avoided stepping into sin because you were watchful.

References:

1-The A to Z Guide to Bible Application. A Billy Graham Evangelistic Association special edition published with permission from Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.

2-Question: “What is the definition of sin?” from Got Questions.org.   

I would not consider myself a gossip if defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.”¹ Such behavior seems obvious, blatant, and unrestrained revealing someone who lacks self-control.

But I have noticed that sins of the tongue can be subtle. Often, we remain unaware unless nudged by the Holy Spirit.

One Sunday I was convicted of adding unconfirmed details to the information I was giving teachers in Children’s Ministry about a child who used some inappropriate language. I wanted to prepare them, so they wouldn’t be caught off guard. However, I found myself insinuating that the child who swore most likely had heard such language at home thus casting suspicion on the parents. Of course, the child could have heard the words anywhere… on the playground at school, in the grocery store, on television, or social media.

Sins of the tongue are easy to commit, perhaps that is why we are warned to guard our tongue.

“The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 CSB

James writes extensively about the tongue in the book of the Bible he penned. He states “the tongue can set on fire the entire course of life” (3:6).

How can our tongue get the best of us? Here are a few ways.

1-Talking too much.

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2

If we are not comfortable with gaps in the conversation, if we feel obliged to answer questions that aren’t really ours to answer, or if we tend to babble rather than considering our words carefully, we may say too much.

2-Speaking too quickly.

     “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak.” James 1:19b

     In our present culture everyone is giving their opinions. However, we often form that point of view before we have all the facts. Also, we forget that responses to situations can differ based on various personality types. We need to be careful about judging others based on our limited knowledge or rashly without all the facts.

3-Spreading tales.

     “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” Proverbs 10:19

     Sometimes we gain information about people we are tempted to share, but some stories shouldn’t be repeated. These include rumors or other people’s observations and opinions about others. Also, our own insights. We want to beware of sizing someone up. According to usdictionary.com this idiom is to assess or evaluate another person’s character, abilities, or qualities based on initial impressions or traits through our observations.

4-Backbiting

     “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.” Proverbs 25:23

     Talking about others behind their backs in ways that result in discord and strife damage relationships and break fellowship. What others think of you matters and unflattering words tear down rather than build up. Problems within relationships need to be addressed one-on-one and kindly.

5-Using words that pierce

     “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

     Words can be devastating. They literally feel like a sword thrust into our heart. My mother told me and my siblings, “If you can’t say something good about a person don’t say anything at all.” Maybe your mother did too. We never want to hurt others with our words, therefore we must carefully consider how to deliver messages.

     Our interactions with others are of utmost importance. Let’s develop good communication skills so we build relationships rather than destroy them. 

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:

1-From your experience, what ways can our tongue get us into trouble?

2-What are some good techniques for controlling the tongue.

References:

1-“What does the Bible say about gossip?” from GotQuestions.com.

Prepping ingredients in a church kitchen with a group of volunteers for a fundraising dinner, I was astonished by the response of two sisters in Christ when a fellow worker tried to show them how to properly hold a knife. He had learned the technique, which prevented injuries, while working in restaurant kitchens.

They seemed offended, telling him they had been slicing and dicing for 30 years or so and didn’t need advice. It is easy to harden our heart when change is suggested. We can become entrenched in old ways.

A few years ago, after the snow melted and plants began to push up through the damp soil, I noticed Dandelions were scattered throughout my yard. They pushed through the small, tan volcanic rocks I had carefully placed around succulent plants called Hens and Chicks. They were entangled in my Iris plants as well as the Columbine. Also, they were tightly pressed against wooden fence posts and deck stairs. They seemed to be everywhere, although not as prominent as those growing in my neighbor’s lawn across the street which was a bright yellow due to the flowering plants.

I looked at the Dandelions with disdain and pulled out my trowel to dig deep beneath their roots and eradicate them from my yard. However, the morning after I had filled a garbage bag full of weeds, including the dreaded Dandelion, my husband read a column he came across while browsing the Internet. He was quite astonished. And once he shared it with me, I was astonished too.

Although it is the most unpopular plant in most neighborhoods it was only in the twentieth century that people labeled Dandelions a weed. Before they developed a bad reputation, gardeners would remove the grass so Dandelions had room to grow. They were valued for their medicinal and nutritional benefits as well as their beauty.¹

While these are interesting facts gathered by the author of the column, Anita Sanchez, they don’t astonish. This does:

–Dandelions have more vitamin A than spinach, more vitamin C than tomatoes, and are also rich in iron, calcium, and potassium.

–Dandelions are good for lawns because their root system aerates, reduces erosion, and pulls nutrients, such as calcium, up from the soil nourishing other plants.

–Dandelions help the liver filter toxins from the bloodstream.

This new information changed my disdain to admiration and respect. I don’t know if I have ever had such a dramatic change in attitude.

Just because we have believed something all our life or been doing something a certain way most of our life does not mean it is correct. Much of the Apostle’s teaching in the New Testament is foreign to us and often contrary to what the world teaches and what we practice before coming to know Christ as Lord and Savior and studying His Word.

Let’s be teachable. I think we will be astonished by God and changed dramatically.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay.

Be sure to share your answers in the comment section!

Let’s Talk:

1-What opportunities to improve or change did you miss because you were offended?

1-How has God’s Word pulled you from an entrenched belief you once had?

References:

1-Column, “Ten Things You Might Not Know About Dandelions” by Anita Sanchez printed at http://www.mofga.org summer 2007. Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association).

A statement my pastor made on Sunday during his sermon embedded in my mind. He said:

“Until we come to grips with how great a sinner we are, we will not come to grips with how great a Savior we have in Jesus.”

Maybe it stuck because he repeated it twice.

He had just read Acts 22:1-5 where the apostle Paul confesses persecuting the Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women. Paul was honest with the people he was speaking to, honest with himself, and honest with God.

Often, we pretend we are okay, refusing to acknowledge our sin. Perhaps we tend to be judgmental, looking down on others. Perhaps we have a sharp, critical tongue. Perhaps we hide behind the excuse of a full schedule to avoid serving. Perhaps [you fill in the rest of the sentence/sin we may not acknowledge].

Sometimes we compare ourselves to others, looking at their sin, and think we are not like them or as bad as them.

As long as we make excuses, we will not get one-on-one with Jesus, who sets the example. He will help us uncover the sin within our hearts, digging deep, and through this process we will discover His love, grace, and mercy.

When we discover how great our sin is, we will discover how great Christ’s love, grace, and mercy is. We will grasp the meaning of the cross.

“Until we come to grips with how great a sinner we are, we will not come to grips with how great a Savior we have in Jesus. And we will never understand true worship, what it means to bow down to the King of Kings, Lord of Lords in adoration,” said my pastor.

Why? “Because we will be focusing on ourselves.”

Author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin says the Bible is a book about God yet we make it all about ourself. It does reveal God to us, but in the process we learn His view of His creation. Jesus, who is fully God, humbled Himself and came to earth as a man to rescue us from the bondage of sin. That is great love, grace, and mercy.

He is Worthy.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

[Excerpts from sermon delivered by Pastor Terry Johnson, Calvary Chapel Westwood Sunday, Oct. 15]

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay

Let’s Talk:

1-Why will recognizing how great a sinner we are cause us to fall down and worship Jesus Christ?

2-Do you have an example of when you have been honest with yourself, with others, and before God? If so, please share.  

We have “great joy” set before us in obedience. Christ is the greatest example.

Philippians 2:5-9— “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” ESV

Yes, Christ was obedient to the point of death “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2:b). And the first part of this verse tells us that Jesus Christ is “the founder and perfecter of our faith.” He sets the standard. He is the example to follow.

To avoid obedience, we sometimes look for escape clauses, an excuse not to fully submit. For example, in his letter to the Philippians Paul tells us to not only look out for our own interests but also the interests of others. If we aren’t watchful, soon our service is whittled to what is convenient, best for us, without much concern for others. Or we focus on the “if possible” in the direction we find in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone and avoid those we label “disagreeable.”

Categorizing some behavior requirements as legalistic is also a way to wiggle out of obedience. The legalist believes there are certain things we must do in order to be right with God. However, we become right with God when we receive the gift of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.¹ Obeying God’s commands isn’t something we have to do, it is something we get to do because they reflect Jesus and as a new creation we can be like him.

Christ did not look at obedience as legalism. He saw it as a way to the Father’s will, and so it is for us. It is the blueprint for walking worthy of our calling which is God’s will. In Paul’s letter to the Colossians he asks that they “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” so they might “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:9-10)

Our salvation doesn’t end when we receive the free gift of salvation, for we continue to break the bonds of sin that keep us from being all we were created to be in Christ. These bonds are broken when God’s ways become our ways and they are written on our heart through obedience… putting into practice what is taught until it is our nature.

Philippians 2:12-13—“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” ESV

God is at work in us to give us the will to put into action all His commands. It is His pleasure to do so. Pastor Tony Evans wrote this in his commentary: “The reason the Philippians could ‘work out’ their salvation was because God had already been ‘working in’ them. God had already deposited within them that which was to be worked out. He gives us the desire and ability to obey. Obedience is not based on our willpower, but on God’s power working in us.”²

In obedience we will find immediate joy because we will glorify God by demonstrating His love to others in our actions. And if we are glorifying God here on earth, we will surely hear those words “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay

Let’s Talk:

1-What Scriptures did you once struggle with but now find they are part of your nature? How did you learn to walk in them?

2-Do you have a story of joy in obedience? Please share it in the comment section!

Resources:

1-Each month I send a resource sheet to email subscribers. The September resource is a refresher on the scriptures that give a clear message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It’s important to use God’s word when delivering the gospel message. Subscribe and I will make sure you receive this sheet.

2-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary published by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee, 2019.

I do not know myself as well as I thought. The Holy Spirit continually surprises me with new insight and revelation. He reveals my heart raw and unfiltered.

When our spirit comes to life we connect with God. That intimate relationship that was destroyed by sin is restored at the point of our salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Our sins are forgiven and God accepts us as righteous and holy. We can become the person God created, but it takes some severing of our old nature. God has helped me uncover a lot that is not meant to be. His great love for everyone He created prompts Him to graciously reveal their hearts.

When we see our reactions and interactions in our natural state, the typical character or behavior that has developed over time apart from God, we begin to understand how to die out to self. And my hearts desire is to know this.

“And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23

When I read such scriptures, I must ask ‘how.’ The Holy Spirit must show me otherwise I just don’t get how.

I have found when you ask God to show you how to practice a particular scripture, He will reveal its applications. Maybe not all at once, but bit-by-bit. He gives us just enough to grasp before revealing more.

As I ponder dying to self the Holy Spirit gives me verses. Particularly those that go against my nature and I find difficult to apply.

For example, if someone who is displeased with my behavior spits a harsh word at me, I want to reply in kind. But the Holy Spirit has given me Proverbs 15:1 as a plumbline scripture– “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

To die to my typical behavior, which is to die to self, is to do what is right in God’s eyes and reply with a gracious tongue.

As the Holy Spirit points out areas of my typical characteristics and behavior that don’t match God’s Word, I know what needs to be severed. Basically, it is a change from self-centeredness to other-centeredness.

Practicing agape love is another way I die to self. My definition of agape is from “The Compact Dictionary of Doctrinal Words by Terry L. Miethe” and is defined as “intelligently, intensely willing the best for another.” Therefore, I do what is in the best interest of another person rather than putting myself first.

Jesus instructed “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Then He revealed what this love is by his next statement. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

When I die to self, I lay down my life for others. My concern for their wellbeing is greater than my concern for myself.

Dying to self is a daily process. By taking up my cross, I am reminded I am a new creation and my old nature no longer has a tight hold on me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can walk in God’s ways which reflect Christ-like behavior.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:

1-How would you describe dying out to self?

2-What scriptures are you learning to apply? How is dying to self an important aspect in the practice of these scriptures?

Scrolling through a list of articles published by Plough in my email, the title “Bandwidth and Boundaries” caught my eye. I have noted that a lot of Christian books are all about boundaries and I have been hesitant to read them. In reference to relationships, the word doesn’t seem very Christ-like.

But the term bandwidth made me curious. The author, Alexandra Macey Davis, wrote that a friend was noticeably absent when she was struggling with bereavement and grieving. When asked why she did not choose to offer any type of support, the friend stated in a text that she was “pressed for time and energy and needed to protect her bandwidth.”

With this example, and others, Davis surmised that therapy concepts developed for healing are being used in harmful ways.¹

I agree.

We can, of course, offer a few examples of why bandwidth and boundaries might be appropriate at times. Yes, I have been so overwhelmed by expectations I cried in secret… well the Lord knew about my tears for I was pouring my heart out to Him. And sometimes people want you to do things for them they can and should do for themselves.

But the examples in Scripture are more about embracing others than shoving people away or about being poured out than holding back.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

How did Jesus love during His ministry?

In the book of Luke we read, “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. (Luke 4:40)

When the crowds learned Jesus and His disciples were in Bethsaida “they followed Him, and He welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.” (Luke 9:11) And when the day began to wear away, He did not follow the advice of his disciples and send the crowds to villages for food and lodging, instead He fed them.

With boundaries we make rules that can’t be broken. We don’t take phone calls after a certain hour of night or we just say “no” rather than make time to give someone a ride to a doctor’s appointment.

When does life stretch forward in endless hours? My husband is the pastor of a small rural church and there are always a multitude of ministries. Also, I write blogs, mini-blogs, articles, and essays. Currently, I am working on a book. My mother is in her 90s and I routinely make a four-hour drive to her house to help with her care. I am always behind on household projects because houses require a great deal of upkeep and so does the church building.

Frequently I am pressed for time and energy but I choose to stay connected and involved. Bandwidth is “the energy or mental capacity required to deal with a situation.”² I may not have the capacity but I know who does… Jesus Christ.

John 15:7-8

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” ESV

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:

1-What is your opinion on bandwidth and boundaries? What Scripture has shaped this opinion? Looking forward to new insight!

Resources:

1-Plough Publishing House, plough.com. Article “Bandwidth and Boundaries: Therapy-speak is Infecting our Relationships and Undermining our Values, by Alexandra Macey Davis.

2-Definition of bandwidth from Yahoo search engine, yahoo.com.

I started crying this morning. A Fitbit brought me to tears. It quit working. I had noticed it last night but forgot to plug it in. When I glanced at it this morning, checking my steps while on the treadmill, the screen was black.

But that is not why I started crying. Tears erupted when I set the Fitbit down and couldn’t find it while trying to gather up a load of laundry for the washer. Frequently, I misplace things by trying to complete more than one task at a time. But there is always too much to do.

Now I am in the process of seeking counseling to determine the real cause of my meltdown.

The Holy Spirit is our counselor. I know it is currently popular to seek outside counsel and there is a place for this. But the Holy Spirit will uncover all that is embedded in our hearts. All that knocks us off course, keeps us from becoming the person God created us to be.

And so, as I chase honesty in the inward parts I find , as a responsible person, I am practicing gluttony in this area of responsibility, filling my plate too full.

It is the last week in July and the yard still needs work. The sails haven’t been hung over the deck and weeds still dominate the garden. Also, outdoor furniture, kept under tarps during the winter snowstorms, needs to be refreshed. Currently, I am stripping and sanding a pair of Adirondack chairs. A gallon of teal paint has been purchased for this project. Also, a can of Canyon Black spray paint for a metal café table and chairs and a can of Satin Terracotta for plastic chairs that have faded.

There are so many people on my list to invite to an outdoor dinner on the deck. Over the years I have purchased folded tables and chairs from Costco that store neatly in the garage. Also, table cloths and trays to carry coffee cups with creamer, or condiments, from the kitchen as well as other items to create a hospitable setting like those depicted in Magnolia Magazine.

If all I had on my plate were maintenance projects, I could complete them. But days are filled with tasks of daily living, creative writing, ministry, and interactions with family and friends as well.

Yet just as something small, not easily noticed can tip scales creating an imbalance, the behaviors we practice yet have not recognized can create havoc. The Holy Spirit can surprise us with these “not so obvious” stressors.

Recently, He brought to my attention a skewed attitude toward responsibility. It seems I feel responsible for the viability of magazines, writing websites, or nonprofits. Often when I hold a renewal to a publication in my hands my thought isn’t so much about their benefit, but what will happen if I don’t subscribe. I don’t want to be responsible for their demise. Often these magazines pile up unread or writing materials on membership websites are never accessed. Instead of being helpful it is another item on a long “to do” list… read magazines, watch teachings, and implement best practice.

A responsibility is “having an obligation to do something.” An obligation is “a duty or commitment.” (Yahoo.com) Basically, it is something we must do. It is what prompts the words “I have to.”

We do have obligations. But I see how easy it is to overload. Grab hold of responsibilities that do not even exist. At this point I am a seeker, exploring the realm of responsibility.

I will continue to explore!

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s talk:

1-How have you made your life less stressful? Is this the direction of the Holy Spirit? What Scriptures has He provided that points back to Him?

Saturday as I searched Websites looking for a Sunday School craft on the six days of creation, I became exasperated by the difficulty of the task. I would find something suitable only to discover there was a cost for a download or simply not be able to uncover the secret to accessing the craft.

However, I persevered. And during this time of searching, I began to contemplate attitudes. I was doing something good, discipling children, but I wasn’t completing the task of preparing my lesson with joy.

It occurred to me that my emotions would not swing so radically if I were always to consider that at a time no one knows (Matthew 24:36) Christ will return for His bride, the church, with a trumpet call and a shout (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Why was I searching for something that the kids would want to keep, something that would teach them about God? Because I want my kids to know the true and living God. To increase their knowledge until they begin to grasp His greatness and cling to Him realizing He is everything they need. That Sunday, I wanted them to know He existed in the beginning of the creation of the world. Also, that what He created was good.

What a pleasure it is to serve my Lord and Savior, to be His hands and feet. So why let Satan steal my joy?

Service can become drudgery or a burden if we approach it from the wrong perspective, thinking we are giving up something such as time that could be better spent. Aren’t we making an investment?

When we serve in ways that provide opportunity to explain the gospel or make disciples we are investing in the kingdom of God. We are fulfilling what is often referred to as the great commission.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

To make a disciple we must know what it is. In the “Compact Dictionary of Doctrinal Words” it is defined as a learner or follower of Jesus Christ. Author Terry L. Miethe writes: “In the Bible the word “disciple” implies a personal adherence, a living out of, the teachings of the Master Teacher. In the New Testament one is known as Jesus’ disciple by abiding in His Word (John 8:31; 13:35; 15:8). In Acts, those who have believed upon Him and confessed Him are called disciples (6:1-2, 7; 14:20-22, 28; 15:10, 19:1).

Also, serving gives us the opportunity to reflect our heavenly Father to a world that does not know the characteristics and attributes of the true and living God. We can reveal to the world what His agape love, grace, mercy, compassion, and sustenance look like. This reveals His glory or the beauty of God’s Spirit, the essence of who He is.¹ Our good works bring God glory.

“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV

When we serve, we store up treasures in heaven. We are investing in something that lasts for eternity. Service keeps us heavenly minded. We think of God.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20 ESV

I want to not only approach service with joy but keep it no matter the glitches. To be aware of my attitude and grab hold of joy if I feel it being tugged away by situations that exasperate.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:  

1-When you serve, how does Satan steal your joy?

2-How do you keep the attitude of joy in all your areas of service?

Resources: 1-Gotquestions.org. “What is the glory of God?”