Meeting With Others

What a calling! What an impact! What a legacy! 'The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him 'God is looking for people who will partner with Him in fulfilling His purposes on earth. But to qualify: You must be willing to stand out from the crowd. Noah believed in his vision when nobody else did. Difference-makers are different. Don't let that bother you. You must not be afraid to do something for the first time. Don't let the words, 'It's never been done before' keep you from obeying God. People probably told Noah, 'It's not raining. Who needs a boat?' But they were wrong and Noah was right. You must endure the rain in order to see the rainbow. So take your stand and believe God, for what He's promised He will perform Jeremiah (1:12).

Now, don't jump to the conclusion that I'm questioning the value of meeting together. Some of the most helpful and meaningful times in my life have taken place in a gathering of believers. But when I review our Lord's style of instruction, I cannot help but see how different it was from ours. He never suggested that the Twelve write anything down or repeat His words verbatim. And when He did exhort them, He used simple words, vivid illustrations, everyday examples, and easily understood applications prompting them to action.

Words. Words. Words. We have become "too wordy" in our faith, which explains our excessive interest in meetings. When did we get the idea that more information leads to deeper consecration?

Jesus' arch enemies, the Pharisees, were great on loud, dogmatic commands, lengthy requirements, and drawn-out demands. Oh how they loved the sound of their own words! But when it came to doing, they struck out.

James exhorts us to be "doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves". James (1:22). In other words, don't talk compassion; lend a hand. Don't pound a pulpit about generosity; give. Just do it.

We won't be met at the portals of heaven by some angel with a clipboard who asks, "And how many meetings did you attend in your lifetime on earth?" But while we're on earth, there is a question we do need to answer: "Why call ye Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not the things which I say?"

What do you think would happen if, instead of going to some meeting or conference, you spent that time alone with the Father?

One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.

Another reason is poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy'  so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.