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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In any attempt at living a God-centered life, the question of personal sacrifice and preparedness always arises. The ultimate answer and example being found in Jesus himself who, “... being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death.“ Philippians 2:5-8 He gave up everything for you and me. Not just life - but life as the co-reigning Son of God, the splendor of heaven, the glory of praise - for the life of an itinerant preacher. He was loved, honored and praised by few at first and now by less than should, even among those who claim to follow but deny him obedience or only do so grudgingly, moving along at a lesser level of involvement then we could. How much should we be willing to give up - to do instead of - to gain a better understanding and live a better life in Him?
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1 Paul instructing us to call the unproductive to task as we, “…warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak,...” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 By obeying God’s will in this way, patiently ministering to the needs of others, we will, “...not grieve the Holy Spirit...” or, “…put out the Spirit’s fire…” Ephesians 4:30 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19 In other words, God will continue to lead us, blessing us if we are making even a faltering effort to follow. (As opposed to not striving or contending with us, and leaving us to our fate.)
We must learn to declare with Paul that, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20; and that our “old self” is dead. (Romans 6:6) The selfish, me-first always and only attitude must be set aside. When that happens we too will be able to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 For it is only when we take the emphasis off the “I” in life that God’s will can manifest itself and take control. “Since Christ suffered in his body (Replacing his will with God’s. Matthew 26:31and Matthew 6:10), arm yourselves with the same attitude,... As a result, (we will) not live the rest of (our) earthly life for evil human designs (or the merely human) but rather for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1,2
Does that mean we should go off and live by ourselves, praying and reading the Bible all day; quit our jobs and work in a soup kitchen the rest of our lives; drop out of school and become a street preacher; move away to a mission field? Not necessarily. But we must be willing; to go wherever, doing whatever God wants. To spend time in church and church activities when we’d rather sleep in or do something else. To read and study God’s word. To be kind, generous, and loving to all around us. To worship God in word and deed. To attempt to excel in our relationships with family, friends and with our Lord and Savior instead of only doing what we have to, just getting by.
Instead of, “What do I have to do?”
Ask, “What do I have to do with?”
Instead of , “What do I have to give?”
Ask, “What do I have available to give?”
Instead of, “What do I have to give up?”
Ask, “What should I give up?”
Instead of , “How good do I have to be?”
Ask, “How good can I be?”
Instead of, “How much do I have to do?”
Ask, “How much can I do?”
In doing so, we too will hear the accolades reserved for good and faithful servants, “Well done,...you have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 All the while remembering his warning that, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48
How much is enough? How much personal investment in time, energy and money must I expend in developing a relationship with Jesus? To be honest, I don’t know! Surely more than I do now. (See Luke 16:10) Let’s all resolve to do more, to be better, to excel rather than doing just what we feel we have to. Remembering Jesus’ sobering words of, “…any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 (See also Philippians 3:7,8)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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