Certainly Not!
Thursday, February 23, 2023
“We are given liberty in Christ in order to be the servants of others, not in order to indulge our own preferences.” – Sinclair Ferguson
Living in the United States of America at the beginning of the 21st century has its blessings. Most adult Americans have a job – if they are willing and able to work – or are happily retired. Likewise, most Americans have a roof over their head, food on their table, and clothes on their back.
Most Americans also own some type of transportation whether it be a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a boat, or a bike. And you would be hard pressed to find an American who doesn’t own at least one TV, a computer, and a cell phone… usually a smart one.
Aside from our material blessings, we are free to travel throughout the country without having to show a passport or a Visa… to freely voice our opinions… and to freely worship (or not worship) as we see fit. And so, the big question is not whether we enjoy some, most, or all of these freedoms but rather, what we do with them.
Do we use our civil and religious liberties to make our lives as comfortable and stress-free as possible? Or do we apply those same freedoms to bless others who are less fortunate, including those in third-world countries? How about using our health, wealth, and other blessings to spread the gospel locally and abroad?
I would hate to stand before the Lord someday and try to explain why I chose to horde my material and spiritual blessings when I could have used them to build His kingdom and glorify His name. My friend, don’t take your earthly or heavenly citizenship for granted!
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” Romans 6:1 (NKJV)
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:15 (NKJV)
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” Luke 12:48 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
