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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
"That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world..." - Philippians 2:15
Our world is and always has been a dark place. Darkness fell on the whole world that day long ago, in the Garden. Since that time, humanity has been blinded (John 3:19-21). It often has also been, and is today - a very noisy place. One of Satan’s most effective strategies is noise - and of course darkness, which makes the excess of the other possible. That will someday change (Isaiah 32:17). But what about now - in your world, and mine? Is what is occurring around you comfortable to you? Does the world seem light and bright, with everyone getting along with each other, and living happily - living "the good life"? To most, this describes a fairytale - imagined, but not realized. Hoped for (someday), but not attained. Someday...always someday...
Embedded in the hopes and desires for the light in a world in darkness, is a darkness of vast proportions - mostly quiet, except when it erupts loud enough so others pay attention.
During several recent conversations with individuals, the subject of family dynamics came up, especially as it seems to work out with children, where there are several children in the family. We all expressed our personal experiences and observations. Most agreed that where there are three children, the middle one somehow was the peacemaker - the arbitrator, the negotiator, etc. in the family. When there is disagreement or trouble, the middle child insists on peace - a peaceful solution. It almost seems that the middle child often considers him/herself on a mission or a unrealized calling! Some observed that it is likely to continue - all their lives (Psalm 68:5-6) It seems that God has placed a "solitude" in families in order to give the "desolate" - the black sheep, the timid ones, the neglected or ignored ones "a home". There is a peace maker - someone to stand in the breach. Someone to reconcile what could otherwise become broken. In a sense, they have a ministry...so many aspects of human families are patterns of the family of God.
This is the "darkness" of broken relationships - and broken hearts.
If you are a Christian, have you ever desired to be a Minister - perhaps to have a ministry that God could use to help others into His Kingdom? Would you like to serve Jesus Christ in "ministry"? Have you ever wished that you had a special gift (all of us have at least one), that would be satisfying and invigorating for yourself, and that would build up what Satan is tearing or attempting to tear down? Many have been assaulted, used, misused, and abused, and left for dead spiritually! So much so, that some will limp into the Kingdom of God!
Every true Christian is in ministry - but there is one that is very special to God. It is a gift, in much the same way that the middle child is gifted: "But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him] God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
You are in the ministry - the "ministry of reconciliation"!
The Apostle Paul and many others are called to minister reconciliation through preaching. But every Christian can "minister" reconciliation - in the church between individuals, in your family, in the workplace, where you do business, with neighbors, between friends, on the freeway! When we interact with ANYONE, we can minister reconciliation. Our world is often in a hostile disposition. Many are on the edge. Conflict is so often just beneath the surface in relationships. It may seem sometimes that just one more straw would break the back of the camel. Intercession of the right form, in the wisdom of Christ, can heal. In all but very personal relationships, the best method of reconciliation is the "light" - of your life - the way you live, your demeanor, your tone of speech, what you do every moment others see you. Yes, the darkness down deep may hate the light, but LIGHT DRIVES OUT DARKNESS! Drive out the darkness between yourself and others every moment of your life...
Do you desire to have a ministry?
Can you be a "middle child" in Christ’s family?
"We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work" - John 9:4.
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