Read: Mark 8:36 NASB |
What is on God’s To-do list for each believer?
In Max Lucado book,” It’s Not About Me”, he surmises that God’s To-do List for each of us has one item – we each should seek to reveal God’s Glory each day.
Upon reflection, I believe that all other righteous to-do’s fit under that heading. While each Believer’s list may be very similar, the rich and well-off may have some items in BOLD print.
“Revealing God’s Glory” Requires Active versus Passive Activity
As we compile our To-do lists, be sure to prayerfully link them to the higher goal of revealing God’s glory. Otherwise, we can be tempted to put too much weight and priority on tasks that God did not add to our list.
Additionally, to “Reveal God’s Glory” effectively, requires us to actively pursue glorifying Him versus a more passive approach. If we start our day with an active intent to reveal His glory, then every step of the way glorifies Him.
For well-off believers, maintaining the proper balance is even more important because of the extra temptations that come with affluence. Below are five things that should especially be on the list:
- Acknowledge God as the Source of wealth – Psalm 50:10–11
We only have temporary custody of our possessions. God is the creator and provider of all that we possess. Acknowledge and praise him as Jehovah-Jireh – our provider, for he supplies both our wants and needs.
- Give generously from the heart – Proverbs 22:9; Luke 6:38
As we give, God gives back to us generously. Be open and ready to give back to him when He prompts our hearts. As Jesus said, “For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38b ESV)
- Use our Position and Influence for the Kingdom – Esther 4:14; Esther 5:3
>Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities to use our position and influence for the Lord. A great example can be found in the life of Esther. Esther was a Jewish maiden who was taken from her family and placed in the palace to be one of the 400 wives of the King. She found favor with the King and was named Queen. Prompted by God, she took a risk and used her position to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Like Esther, we too should be open to using our position and influence along with our time, talent and treasure to serve Him.
- Prioritize People Over Things – Acts 16:14; Acts 5:1-6
Jesus sought to build people and their faith during His ministry. Challenge yourself to invest in people with your time, talent and treasure. Help build and grow the church from the inside out.
- Laying up Heavenly Treasures – Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:20-21
Jesus warns us about storing up earthly treasures. This does not mean that we cannot plan for retirement to maintain our lifestyle. Instead, Matthew 6 instructs us on “where” to store our treasures. The instruction is meant to ensure that we don’t yield to the desires of the heart and build treasures for ourselves here on earth. Our challenge is to pursue eternal prosperity over a temporal earthly life filled with eating, drinking, lounging which has very little connection to His will.
We are all rich!
Yeah, right you say!
In the Bible, wealth is far less important than exhibiting the fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. [Galatians 5:22-23] As we exhibit these Christ-like characteristics, Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply every need according to His riches in glory, not ours! In this way, we “are” all rich!
Series Outline
1. Overview
2. Part 1 – Survey of Rich/Poor
3. Part 2 – What NOT To-do
3. Part 3 – What TO-do
4. Conclusion
Questions:
1. Discover –
A. On an average day, do you reflect God’s glory by actively doing things for Him or passively doing things and leaving the connection to others?
B. Do you have any poor/rich Christian friends? If you did not know that they did or did not have money, would you be able to tell anything about them by their acts of service?
2. Develop –
A. Sometimes someone will tell me about something I said or did that was very meaningful to them. When I said/did it, I may not have even known that it was impacting them. I was simply following His will. Do you have any examples you can share?
B. Looking at your mental or physical to-do list, is there room for revealing God’s Glory? List 2-3 ways that you could tweak your list to ensure you are actively working to reveal His Glory.
3. Demonstrate –
A. Does your daily walk exemplify someone who walks in a manner worthy of if the calling to which you have been called?
