Today while reading in Proverbs, I ran across a verse that made me think.
Proverbs 14:4 "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest."
In the commentary it talked about how sometimes as people, we retreat from the mess of relationships and being a light in the world. We would rather not deal with it. Although we need a chance to refresh and to be filled with the Spirit through his Word, if we are only about ourselves then we don't have much chance at being used for the Lord.
So if we refuse to go into the world & take part in relationships, how much are we being a part of the Lord's plans? We have less head ache, heart ache and chaos but our part in the harvest will be small. With God, we have the power of the Holy Spirit that will help us through.
Sometimes it may feel like all that we do for good, is in vain. That no one listens to truth, but rejects it. That serving others is of no use and unappreciated. That is when we need to remember who we are working for and that He is about "love". We are still to be obedient and leave the results up to Him.
Colossians 3:23 "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."
When we are put down in relationships, how many times do we retaliate or have a come back when insulted? It just seems like the thing to do, right?
1Peter 3:9 "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it."
If you are like me and frustrated with certain people, God is asking us to bless others and not retaliate. That is where prayer comes in and seeking the strength of the Lord. So I am praying now, for my mouth to be slow to speak when I am put down.
1Peter 2:23 (Jesus) "He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."
Romans 5:8 "But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Jesus was our example of doing good, serving and loving sinful people. As a follower of Christ, I pray that I would be able to do the same. Listen to the words of this song and look inward. As I listen, I see many things I need to work on. I hope it inspires you, as it has me. :)
Here is the verse that is used in this song;
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 "If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If
I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making
everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain,
“Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If
I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be
burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter
what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. " (The Message Version)
