No one likes to entertain the thought that they might be useless. I was once told that everyone was worth something, even it was for a bad example! That's going a little to far but there is something we need to realize that we can be doing doing that destroys God's intentions, stops our spiritual growth and makes us useless.
We are reminded to avoid worldly and empty chatter (II Tim. 2:16-18). What is worldly and empty chatter? It is talk that lacks a connection with the true and living God. It actually tears God down by putting us in a place above Him. Empty chatter is discussions on useless subjects that take one away from the Lord. Here is a few examples:
Ron L. Hubbard wrote a book called "Dianetics". He wrote it as a book to rehabilitate the mind and ties it to spiritual things to give it more credence. His bottom line teaching: we are the power and that power resides in each one.
The "Religion of Scientology" is the study of knowledge and religious philosophy. The bottom line teaching: what is true for you is truth in you!
The DaVinci Code sets out to prove that the Bible is a cover-up to the real Jesus. The bottom was teaching: Jesus was not Divine in nature and married Mary Magdalene.
In Acts 17:21 we read: "Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new."
Hymenaeus and Philetus strayed from the truth and were teaching the resurrection had already taken place and they were upsetting people's faith (II Tim. 2:17-18).
Where does all the above lead us? Not upward into God. If we go after such things, would they make us useful or useless to God? Listen to what God's firm foundation speaks: "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands having this seal, 'The Lord know those who are His', and 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.'" (II Tim. 2:19)
God's firm (immovable) foundation that upholds everything and His seal (trademark or brand) is intact that the Lord knows who belongs to Him! Those who hold to His name abstain from wickedness. It shouldn't surprise us in the church that there will be those who will be dishonorable and not useful to the Lord (II Tim. 2:20). How can we be sure we are useful? "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." (II Tim. 2:21) To keep ourselves free from things that will corrupt us in attitudes and actions, we are a vessel of honor, sanctified (set apart from the common) and useful to the Lord and His cause. The end result will be prepared for every good work. In other words, being useful to God you will have the proper equipment needed in every situation as the Lord will provide. Those with a pure heart to serve the Lord, walking with a whole heart before Him always leads Him to usefulness.
1 comment:
It seems that those who think more "progressive" talk about God but if one listens carefully, God is not really their center. Their center is making sure things make us feel good and for certain not to do things from our past traditions (which sometimes needs to change but for the most are sound spiritually!)In other words, they go over-board thinking we are progressing spiritual which in reality they are 'digressing' spiritually! As you said, just try to take away one of the banners and such and you will have a war on your hands! Thanks Brent.
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