Do you think too much?

I have a friend who ministers to me by occasionally reminding me that I think too much. Being quite the thinker himself, I don’t think he is trying to tell me to think less. There are just times when thinking gets in the way of something more important.

Much of our conversations revolve around the mysteries of God; and our desire to be good stewards of them (1Corinthians 4:1-2). For those of you who feel the same way – and those who would like to – here are a few of my favorites.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. 1Timothy 3:16

And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables…” Mark 4:11

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion… Romans 11:25

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory… 1Corinthians 2:7

We have been redeemed to know, and be a demonstration of, the mysteries of God – and that for our glory. Let that sink in for a minute.

Finding Treasure Beneath Our Favorite Translations

The Greek language was created by God for the recording of the New Testament. I am not a Greek scholar, by any means. However, I have learned that the Greek is a much more dynamic language than our Americanized English.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (1Corinthians 4:1-2). Logically, our first step will be to search out the mysteries we have been given to steward – as treasures in a field. This is to our benefit.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Here are a couple of examples for your encouragement (to search) and edification:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Many translations of this verse end with “that we should do them”. This is a mistranslation. God did not create us to do good works. That is His job. Our responsibility is to walk in them – as vessels and instruments of righteousness. In light of this (no pun intended), the mystery of Matthew 5:16 becomes revelation.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Jesus’ command is not for us to do good works. It is to let our light shine, so that the Father will be glorified. That light is the very life of Jesus (John 1:4) – the perfect representation of the Father.

Example 2 – Set or Make

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Many translations encourage us that “the truth shall set you free”. In this context, the difference between “make” and “set” is enormous. “Set” is an event; “make”, a process. Jesus said, “I will make you…”. He is the Truth.

Additionally, the mental image is much different. A bird can be set free… and recaptured. You cannot unmake a cake – or a disciple.

Searching out the mysteries of God is one of the most rewarding adventures of the Christian life. It is finding that which has been entrusted to us by our Maker. Once found, it can then be shared – for His pleasure and glory.

So, pass on what you have learned here. Be a faithful steward.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

Good Stewardship Begins with Proper Planning

As Workplace Leaders, we are responsible to make the most of the resources and spheres of influence we have been given to steward. The consequences of poor stewardship can be quite severe – both practically and spiritually.

Remember, God has positioned you to make an impact for His kingdom. This is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.

And then there are those Workplace Leaders that fail to plan altogether. As humans, we have a propensity to mess up this planning thing. Consequently, fear drives many into the avoidance trap; an incredibly tragic place to be (Matthew 25:14-30).

Failing to plan may be understandable, but it is not acceptable. There is too much riding on your faithful stewardship of God’s resources.

So, let me ask you: Are you confident your plans for this year reflect the will of God?

You can be!

There is a way to plan that will align your plans with the plans of God – plans that God can influence and empower. That’s right; God has a way for planning.

A Map Maker Devotion – Is God Active in Your Work?

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Sometimes the smallest words carry incredible meaning. Take the word “all” for example. All things were created through Him and for Him. Not some things, or even most things. ALL THINGS!!

All things include the place where you spend most of your waking hours – the workplace. Whether you are a business owner, executive, or professional, God has very carefully created the environment where you have authority and influence. This is most encouraging; so don’t forget it.

Now, let’s talk about why He created your workplace. Ultimately, it is “for Him”. What does that mean? It means that for Him to be active in your work, He must be the Boss. Be careful: Boss does not mean partner. There is only one Boss.

If you have not already done so, execute this transaction with God: Father, You are now the Boss. I am now Your faithful steward. What would You have me do for Your kingdom?

Humbly yours and forever His,

These Sayings of Mine – Do Them

As we come to the end of Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, we find ourselves back to the place where this series began – with a few challenging questions: If you don’t know the sayings of Jesus, how can you hear them? If you cannot hear them, how can you do them? If you do not do them, what will be the state of your house?

The desire of my heart is to give you a reference point for the hearing. I think I have done that. The rest is up to you, and the Lord. I hope you will receive the grace and faith He offers; that your house might stand in the storms of this life.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. Matthew 7:24-27

I have already shared my perspective on this passage in a previous article. So let me address a couple of related topics. First, while the subject of this saying is the “wise man”, we would be foolish to attempt to do it as individuals. There are no lone rangers in the body of Christ. Perhaps it would help to think of our houses as brownstones – tightly pressed together, helping each other to stand.

My second point is related to the first. This passage is not much different than the portion of Jesus’ commission that commands us to teach them to observe (or obey) all that He has commanded us – to do what He has said. Therefore, we understand that the Sermon on the Mount is critical to our making disciples.

Furthermore, the Greek for observe/obey means to “attend to carefully, take care of”. We are called to be faithful stewards of the sayings of Jesus. We are called to search out their mystery, and to share that mystery with others. In doing so, we strengthen our house and those houses around us; both now and forever more. The Sermon on the Mount is an inheritance we are to leave for our spiritual children.

The importance of these two points – our unity and our making disciples – cannot be overstated.  Our failure in these two critical areas is the failure of the Bride to make herself ready.  How could we neglect so great a salvation?

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob