Overeating The Bread of Life - Jewell Utt
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
It’s a privilege to sit in church and hear the Word of God preached each week. In many countries around the world, Christianity is illegal, forcing the Church to operate underground. By its nature, such covert ministries inspire and challenge us. At great expense, people carefully share this precious treasure with those they love.
When I compare this attitude to the free church, the same eagerness is not generally evident. Visiting missionaries report the fervency of their people to spread the good news when they’ve had a morsel of truth. We take in truth by spoonfuls each week through Bible study, media ministries, and church, yet the same urgency doesn’t exist. There is a great need in free countries which appears to go unnoticed. Hearing their stories is an education in foreign differences.
While it’s true the greater the need, the greater the call, the law of physics teaches that a body at rest stays at rest, while a body in motion will stay in motion. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives and thus our spiritual muscles. Sharing the Word of God will strengthen our frame, while simply taking it in will make us “fat.”
How eager are you to share the gospel truths with those you love? Active faith disciples others and works as a productive member of the Body of Christ, serving alongside one another. James says we must be doers of the Word, and not just hearers. Asaph explained in Psalms, the importance of sharing our faith that others will put their confidence in God.
Be mindful to exercise the freedoms you have, while you still have them. Don’t grow lazy in your flesh because it’s easy to do, but burst forth the love of Christ to all those around you.
Grant me Lord that my faith would encourage others to put their confidence in You. Help me to do as your Word instructs, and to serve you within the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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