Our lives tend to be filled with, as the Bible reveals, “the cares of this world.”
Of course, we are to take care of responsibilities that fall to us. We are judged very stringently if we fail to do the basics. Note what Paul wrote: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
So what is the balance point? Are we to ignore our lives and the individual work we are called upon to do, or are we to put all of our efforts into the greater calling—the Work of God?
In reality, striking a balanced approach to all of our responsibilities is paramount. We can’t ignore and neglect any of our duties.
Brethren who selflessly expend dedicated service to God now support the Church of God. That entails sacrifice. Sacrifice means putting something ahead of our own desires or pleasures. In innumerable ways, members of the Church add what they are able to the Work of God—proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom.
What has that knowledge meant to you? How has your life been changed and enriched beyond measure because you know the truth? Is it enough for each one of us to have our lives so abundantly blessed by having a relationship with God that will consummate in eternal life?
Jesus Christ gave His life for us and for all! As Christians, we are called upon—yes, it is expected of us—to be willing to lay down our lives for our brethren and for our fellow man. Here is what Jesus taught: “‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends’” (John 15:13).
The way we now do this is to dedicate our lives as living sacrifices (compare Romans 12:1). Becoming servants of God means that we seek to please God—remember, WE ARE NOT OUR OWN! Consider what Paul stated:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [which] is in you, [which] you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Also, consider this paramount truth: “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, WE ARE THE LORD’S” (Romans 14:8).
Look to yourselves and deeply think about your calling and ask, “What does God expect of me?”
God expects of us to fulfill our individual duties and responsibilities towards our fellow man. The greatest duty of all is to participate in the Work of God, announcing to man a better world to come–a world filled with peace, hope, freedom and prosperity. This shows our love to God and to man–and we must manifest that love with all of our heart and with all of our might!
