November 20
1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1
Every day you will be faced with a multitude of situations, some pleasant, some unpleasant. We have little control sometimes about the occurrence of these situations. What we do have a choice about is how we approach them. Every situation is either an obstacle or an opportunity. The same situation, the difference being our perception and reaction. What you must ask yourself is whether it is more important to push forth yourself or Jesus Christ. Are you more self-centered or others centered. I thank God daily for having allowed me to be a physician. Over time I saw my profession for what it is, a ministry, an ability to approach patients one on one with the love of God. I have been doing this for a long time, and therefore many of these relationships span decades. Some of my patients ask me my advice on many topics, others speak forth their thoughts and just assume that I stand on the same side as them politically, philosophically, etc. Sometimes I do, but often I don't. Many hold their view as the intelligent one, viewing those on the other side as ignorant. This gives me two choices. On these relatively unimportant issues I can defend my position, which is not what I do, unless I'm concerned that their worldly position will actually hurt them personally. More often, I smile and remain focused seeking an opportunity to re-direct the conversation onto God, be it Father, Son, or Spirit. One of the most freeing things is to acquiesce your need to be right in the sight of others at the expense of offering them something so much better, a relationship with Jesus Christ. So difficult patients and pleasant patients really don't matter as much as whether or not these patients know Jesus Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful". This is a fact. The question is whether or not you are willing to rid yourself of self and be one of Jesus' laborers for the Kingdom.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:9, "But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble." Paul was completely others centered and saw his daily life not as a series of chance circumstances, but as a series of opportunities. We read in 9:19-23, "Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings." He did not take these opportunities lightly as we read further in 9:24-27, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
Some feel that other's situation are somehow unique in their opportunities. But this again comes down to how we view our encounters in life. There are people in the stores that we frequent and the checkout lines that need Jesus. There are parents picking up their children at school and at various activities that need Jesus. There are always family members and friends who need Jesus. There are co-workers and work contacts who need Jesus. Your mission field is different than my mission field which brings us back to the same question, "Are you willing to be a laborer for Jesus Christ?" Once you answer yes, and mean it, your opportunities, many of which have been present for years will appear right before your eyes. For what has changed is your heart, your eyes, and your attitude. Let us all agree to stop seeing circumstances as obstacles, and instead see all of the opportunities that God is placing right in our midst.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: