Christian's Handbook 1

Handbook 1 is a collection of Christian articles containing spiritual wisdom and knowledge derived from Christians' personal experiences in living daily for God.

There's Only Room for One

Handbook 1: Article 45 - Who in the World Are You?

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches. For this reason, I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body than clothing?

Don't be anxious then, saying 'what shall we eat?' or 'what shall we drink?' or 'with what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek first and continually His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow."

Matthew, Chapter 6

Most of us work and play hard. Today with inflation we must work longer to support ourselves in the style to which we have become accustomed. And we fit God in the crevices of our time schedule or we give money to soothe our guilt and fulfill our responsibilities as Christians. (Why else do you think Christian organizations receive so much money in donations these days? Those who are too entangled in the world to go, give money to those who seem to be on their way somewhere in the name of the Lord.) But there is no scriptural evidence that we can buy our way out of our responsibility to God. I believe that each one of us has a place to serve based on the spiritual gifts that we have been given.

But you ask -- "how can I? I must support myself and my family. I have to work!! Earning a living takes most of my time." I suggest that to earn enough to continue your present lifestyle takes most of your time. But have you considered changing your life to fit the style described in the opening lines of this article?

The work ethic of the physical world and the spiritual world are vastly different. I offer an alternative lifestyle for your everyday existence that would give you the opportunity to get to your real business -- working the works of God. It is based on the scripture at the top of this page.

Strip your life to the basics. Work just enough to supply those needs. (You may have to find a different job to do this.) Simplify everything. Become a temporary earth dweller. Don't save for tomorrow. Trust God -- this would cut out all insurance and retirement payments. Remember, just the basics. Look how basic Jesus and His disciples lived. And Paul!

Now don't give me all the reasons why you can't! Just open your mind to the possibility. Jesus told Martha who was so busy that only one thing was necessary. Mary who was sitting at the feet of Jesus had found that one thing. Sever the world's hold on you and find that one thing for yourself. Sell all that you have to buy the pearl of great price. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Make this your full-time work.

Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him. Set your mind on things above. Fulfill your ministry. Get to it!

MC

"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal. They said therefore to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"

John 6: 27-29


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  1. No Two Ways About It
  2. The Land of the Enemy
  3. Culture Shock
  4. Is This the Abundant Life?
  5. Security
  6. Possessions
  7. Your Giving Quotient
  8. Why Poverty?
  9. There's Only Room for One

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