Nov 04

There are two, opposite dangers which Christians must avoid regarding working for their Lord in his vineyard, his kingdom. One is to think that it is all up to them, and therefore run the risk of sinful pride when good things happen seemingly because of their efforts. And the other is to know that only the Lord can cause fruitfulness in his kingdom, and therefore to become complacent and apathetic about working for him in the kingdom.

It is possible to have a healthy balance between relying upon our own efforts and not working at all. Numerous examples of this balance are found in Scripture.

In Colossians 1:29, Paul says that he makes great effort to work for God, but then adds that this energy is really God's presence in him that so powerfully works in Paul. It is God and Paul working together, but more accurately it is really God working through Paul.

In 1 Cor. 15:10, Paul again relates how hard he works for God, saying that he worked harder than anyone. Yet, again, he hastens to add, "yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

As we saw in John 15, we can do nothing; God does it all. But what we can do is open ourselves up and allow him to work through us. What a privilege and honor!

Scripture for today: Col. 1: 6, 10, 29; 1 Cor. 15:10; John 15:1-8
Thought for today: God gives me the great honor of being a vessel through whom he can do his great works.
Prayer for today: Lord, I humble myself before you and open myself to your Spirit, so that you can accomplish whatever you desire for your kingdom.

NOV 04