…but god… Episode 175
Transcript
“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
1 Peter 4:14-16 NASB2020
This passage reminds me our most recent Easter weekend. Stick with me, it’ll make more sense as we go along… Sharon and I had our first Easter-Egg hunt with the grandkids.
Our younger grandson Aden did not understand the concept. He was given a basket to put the eggs into. He found the eggs, but he did not want the eggs in his basket. When we put the eggs into the basket, he poured them out back onto the ground. He was content with carrying around just the empty basket.
We as Christians are like this. God has given us a basket (eternal life with Him through forgiveness of sins and the resurrection) But God had so much more in store for us. We have so many opportunities to fill the basket. But sometimes it takes work and sometimes we will get pushback. Therefore, some just keep an empty basket. Some, when their basket has been emptied by others, will quit and say this is too hard, while others continue to work on their faith and fill up their basket no matter what. (This is what the older grandson Travis did. In fact we had to get a bigger basket for him because his was overflowing).
The follower of Christ fills their basket because they know their calling is “not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in His name.” They do this with zeal, no matter the cost. Because we know as Paul says in his letter to the Philippians “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.”
Philippians 1:21-22 NASB2020
Most gracious and Awesome Heavenly Father. We thank you for the gift of forgiveness and eternal life with you. Thank you that you have called us to more in our short time here on earth. Help us to be mindful of your calling and your will for our lives. Help us to fill up our baskets by loving and serving you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We pray all these things In Jesus name Amen!
Shalom, Shalom blessings. Press In and Press On!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
