| | "SINCE YOU EXCEL IN SO MANY WAYS--you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us--NOW I WANT YOU TO EXCEL ALSO IN THIS GRACIOUS MINISTRY OF GIVING". 2 Corinthians 8:7 NLT (Capitals are mine for emphasis)
HE WILL ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN OUR BEST. THE REASON? HE KNOWS WHAT IS IN US, AS "HE IS THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT", AND HE WAS THERE WHEN THE IMPARTATION TOOK PLACE
God is a God of excellence. Because of this, He expects us to excel in "the specialty gifts" which are part of the endowment from our Creator . He will accept nothing less than our best. The reason? He knows what is in us, as "He is the giver of every good and perfect gift", and He was there when the impartation took place. The craftsmen of the world should so admire our creativity, that they model themselves after what we do, instead of the other way around. The anointing of the Holy Spirit makes the difference.
A TREND IN THE LAST DECADE TO "DUMB DOWN THE GOSPEL"
There has been a trend in the last decade to "dumb down the gospel" in order to reach everyone, not making it too complicated. Not only is this true in the realm of the church, but also in secular society. Very few movies today have an intelligent plot which carries through from beginning to end. Instead, the storyline and acting are predictably second-rate, so that the film has to depend on "special effects" to make it a box-office hit.
MORE PEOPLE ARE BEING "SAVED", BUT UNFORTUNATELY, FEWER ARE "STICKING WITH IT"
With few notable exceptions, lyrics in songs do not carry the weight of a life-changing message, but have become repetitious, with a more dominant beat than powerful words written by song writers of the past which found a lodging-place in our spirits. Even sermons--not all, but many--have taken on a pop-theology presentation and a feel-good psychology which offends no one. More people are being "saved", but unfortunately, fewer are "sticking with it".
"OUR GOD DESERVES THE VERY BEST" WAS THE THEME OF THEIR MODE OF OPERATION
In the divine architecture of the Tabernacle, the most talented craftsmen who excelled in special skills were chosen to perform the work for the house of God. No one who had a reputation of slipshod work was allowed on the project. The mentality of "cutting corners" found no place here. "Our God deserves the very best" was the theme of their mode of operation. The Holy Spirit does not only anoint ministers of the gospel, but He can give one-of-a-kind ideas to jewelers, designers, weavers and embroiderers, and cause their creations to be of such a higher quality than what the rest of society has to offer, they will bring glory to the Creator, God Himself. The world should bid high for our services which are replete with excellence. This includes all professions and jobs in the marketplace.
MAY OUR VERY DECORUM, AND THE WAY WE PRESENT OURSELVES SHOW THAT WE ARE FROM ROYAL LINEAGE
The Apostle Paul congratulated and commended the Corinthian church for her excellence. They excelled in faith, gifted speakers, knowledge, enthusiasm, and showing love for his apostolic team. Now, he challenged them to go a step further, and to "excel in the gracious ministry of giving". God wants us to become gracious givers, and to do it with finesse. God will be magnified as we learn to give things away with joy--only by His direction, and not emotional or coerced giving--excelling in love and grace. And, when it comes back to us--plus more--may we have a ministry of being a gracious receiver. The harvests from seeds we have previously planted are on the way. We are not beggars, but sons and daughters of the King of all kings. May our very decorum, and the way we present ourselves show that we are from royal lineage. |
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