THE CHURCH - REDEFINING YOUR PERCEPTION FOR GREATNESS
Reading: Matthew 20 v 20 - 28
The whole concept of self-love has become so deeply
entrenched in Christian teaching today that it has changed the entire complexion
of broadcasts, church seminars, scores of best-selling books, lucrative
lectures and endless radio programmes of which all exploit the human desire and
natural human inclination to love oneself. Here are some points of reflection
to illustrate the love for self and the love for God.
MEN'S WAY TO GREATNESS
1. Focus on personal power
2. Emphasize freedom
3. Concern for gain
4. Desire immediate fulfilment
5. Yearns for praise of men
6. Aspire to be served
7. Long for self-gratification
8. Need to push ahead
9. Strive to lead men
10. Desire to compete
GOD'S WAY TO GREATNESS
Focus on submission
Emphasize freedom
Concern for giving
Desire lasting achievement
Yearns for the approval of God
Aspire to serve others
Long for self-control
Need for patience
Strive to follow God
Desire to compliment
If you should redefine your mission, it is very logical that
you face the following questions.
a. Who am I? - Jesus came to serve. Paul was a bond servant.
You can also be a servant of God.
b. Who am I? - It certainly has to be God and His people;
nothing more nothing less.
c. How am I? - As Christ served with a servant attitude
In the Bible in Matthew 11 v 28 - 30 particularly verse 29,
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for, I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls." vs 30 "For my yoke is
easy and my burden is light”
Prayerful thought: Lord as we search for you as a church, I
thank you that I shall serve in the church in order to please you and NOT to
please men.
Day 22
THE CHURCH - FLEEING FROM GOD'S PRESENCE
Readings: Jonah 2 v 8 - 9, 3 v 2
In the 8th Century BC Jonah participated in one of the most
unusual prayer meetings in history. It all happened at the bottom of the sea from
inside a giant fish. With damp sea weed wrapped around his head and his skin
bleached by digestive juices, the renegade Prophet sat on the slimy belly
membranes and gasped for breath amidst the foul odour of eels, crabs and
barnacles. This is the moment when Jonah fled from God's presence because he
didn't want to be a prophet to a lost world.
In total darkness Jonah prayed from the salty depths, 'THOSE
WHO REGARD VAIN IDOLS FORSAKE THEIR FAITHFULNESS, BUT I WILL SACRIFICE TO YOU
WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING, THAT WHICH I HAVE VOWED I WILL PAY, SALVATION
IS FROM THE LORD." Yes sometimes we must sink to the lowest point before
we turn to God. That is what Jonah did. From what could be a watery grave he
got a second chance to obey. Are you running from God's call on your life? Have
you hired a luxury ship to take you to a comfort zone where you don't have to
think about the needs of Nineveh?
The fish swam hundreds of miles eastward, back toward the
Phoenician shore and vomited the repentant prophet onto dry land. Then the word
of the Lord came to Jonah a second time "ARISE, GO TO NINEVEH THE GREAT
CITY." It had not been an easy process, but Jonah understood his
priorities. When he finally arrived in Nineveh he heralded his message and
caused a city wide commotion. Within hours everyone was talking about the
Jewish prophet who spoke of divine judgement. All the inhabitants of the
Assyrian capital, including the King, put on sackcloth and called on the name
of Lord God of Israel because of Jonah’s dire warning. God touched an entire
city with His amazing forgiveness because one reluctant man finally fulfilled
his divine assignment .
All of us can relate to this story. We are called to
minister to the faithless Nineveh of our generation which are our workplaces,
campuses, neighbourhoods, cities and beyond. Each of us is called to be a
missionary with a specific assignment. But often we run in the opposite
direction because of fear of failure, insecurity about our weaknesses,
disappointment about a past ministry experience or just selfishness. For us to
accomplish our MISSION as the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, we need to be
obedient to the call of God and trust God for everything.
Prayerful thought: Lord help me to keep and remain faithful
to your cause, always. Make me kill the self for your glory and be obedient to
your call for ministry.