Headline GOD
Serving humanity in God’s name is a privilege, not a testimonial. We must take care that we are always “serving the root”, not the other way around. When God asks us to do something, whatever that may be, it is to glorify His name not our own. “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14 NIV). “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” (Luke 18:19 NIV). A thought struck me like a gentle slap in the face, while watching a break in holiday football yesterday, that one great organization, or at least the promotional writers for this organization momentarily forgot their critical role. Don’t get me wrong here, I have the greatest respect for The Salvation Army and the work that they do, every day. That said, the organization itself is not “the root” but rather a branch of the root “of God”. As I listened to the announcers promote the numbers of meals served and people helped through this great organization, I kept thinking, way to go God!! But Jesus Christ was never mentioned? This is the Mission Statement for … “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.“
There exists a distinct prejudice in society even today, against Christians. Sometimes it’s easier to just do good works anonymously, than to mention the true spiritual benefactor of those works. Easier yes, but it’s still not right. We often justify displaying our works as a promotional incentive to urge others to do more. That rarely works, the need to serve must arise within each of us from the Holy Spirit’s messages. When that happens, ALL the credit must go directly to God. Moses learned this lesson the hard way, inadvertently taking some credit for one of God’s initiatives, he was forbidden entry into the promised land because of that. Keep tossing “help” into the red kettles, knowing that salvation is the Lord’s work and the Lord appreciates our help. The Salvation Army is great because they do God’s work and they should be assisted in that work. Everyone who serves God is worthy of recognition and that recognition comes from God. Never hesitate to headline GOD, just because this world is prejudiced. Say not what we do for God, but what He does for us.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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