Matthew 11 is such a rich passage:
⮞ Jesus explains that God uses different people and different methods to share the gospel, but many people refuse to hear (Matthew 11:18-19).
⮞ He contrasts childish immaturity (Mt.11:16-17) with childlike faith (Mt.11:25).
⮞ And He explains that despite the obvious evidence that He is the way of salvation, only those "with ears" will hear (Matthew 11:15).
Hearing is
more than going to church or Bible studies and listening to the words
of Scripture. It's believing and obeying those words, applying them to
our lives (James 1:22).
Having
ears that hear means depending on Scripture when we make our plans and
decisions. It means regularly preparing ourselves in God's Word so we
can answer others biblically and graciously (1 Peter 3:15).
People with "ears to hear" are the only ones who fulfill God's kingdom plans for their lives (Ephesians 2:10).
Jesus concludes this teaching with the best news of all. If we have ears that hear, we can find rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
Do you have ears that hear?
For me it is simple: I want to be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. What I learn in church I want to put into practice. This resulted for example in founding a non profit organisation http://www.traveling-light.nl
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone can do SOMETHING with the gifts and talents God has given.
Thanks for a good post!
Thanks for sharing what motivates you, Marja. I think we are most motivated when we are doing those things we were designed to do. May God continue to bless your ministry.
DeleteThere are several reasons that people don't become doers. Among them are thinking that someone else can do it better, not wanting to commit to a long-term project (face it, once you volunteer to teach Sunday school, you are stuck for life!), and the people who are currently occupying some positions that you'd like to be involved in are somewhat possessive of their ministry.
ReplyDeleteAs for missions... finances are a huge factor for both short and long term opportunities.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Joanne. It's good to hear all perspectives.
Deletei knit. i started a prayer shawl ministry at my church from my first shawl i made for a dying neighbor. i got it to her the night before God took her home. then i made a second shawl for a former teaching colleague...she had it over her when she was buried. our Time, Talent, and Treasure stewardship focus in church has given me the opportunity to do something i love, to comfort others in need or pain and meet some wonderful people that i would probably not have gotten to know personally. i am truly Blessed to be able to keep giving to the Lord in this way... i knit.
ReplyDelete^)^ linda
Sounds like a neat ministry that really fits the gifts God has given you. Wonderful! And you are eager to use your gifts...that's great. I think we love doing things we are designed to do.
DeleteThanks for sharing your perspective.
I think sometimes we try to run ahead of God. Trying to get programs going, or events, or outreaches or whatever, when it's not His time. Jesus didn't really work by events. He called people individually. Yes, he spoke to large numbers of people, but they were people who were following him, not people he advertised to. And when he had something really important to say, he spoke to those who were close to him. I think that outreach needs to be a personal thing, one-on-one, if possible. Not some grand event where we run ourselves ragged trying to make the biggest impact. And I agree with Francis Chan. Working people up emotionally to get them to do something, whether it is doing church work or even accepting Christ as their savior, is not going to grow the kingdom. Only the appearance.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robin, for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I'm enjoying the different perspectives.
DeleteAmen, Robin!
DeleteI'm in the process of working on a new curriculum "Doing the Word." I believe learning to serve must begin in the 2 and 3 year old heart.
ReplyDeleteThat's sounds wise (beginning early) and the curriculum sounds great! I pray it does really well.
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