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“Obedience to God is all that is Required”
Romans 14:16
Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.
Thoughts for Today:
Previously, Paul has been instructing us to exercise our liberty, but not abuse it. Today he shifts the emphasis slightly -- he tells us to not allow something good we are doing to be spoken of as evil.
When I returned from one of my mission trips a few years ago, an acquaintance of mine wanted to hear all about it. I was reluctant because I knew he would try to find a way to make our group's effort appear negative in some way. I was not disappointed. When he asked, I described the many wonderful people we had met and served. My acquaintance persisted, "But, why did you go?" I said, "Because God was doing a work there, He asked me to join Him, and I answered, 'Yes Lord.'" Still he wasn't satisfied and continued to probe for some nefarious reason for my action. Frustrated, he finally said, "Why don't you just admit it, the only reason you went was to take advantage of a needy group of people. Sure you brought some medicine, but your only true purpose was to convert them to your way of thinking!" I had been silently praying while he was speaking -- asking God for His words of response. I then asked my acquaintance, "Who would have provided the medicine to the villages in Nepal last week if we didn't -- where were you last week? And besides, what right do you have to criticize how God chooses to bring His message of hope?"
It is an unfortunate fact -- many times the works and services we Christians perform are looked upon as if we have an ulterior motive. Is it even possible that somehow charitable acts could subject the world unwillingly into a relationship with Jesus Christ? Of course not. Christians don't offer good deeds as bribes, but rather as an example of God's love and the sacrifice He made for us personally. Too bad this concept is lost on some people -- no matter how many times it is explained.
Questions to Ponder:
Are you reluctant to participate in God's work? Is it because of fear of criticism? Examine your own heart and motivation. Are you willing to serve God? Then proceed. Do not let the critical opinion of others get in the way of the service God has called you to perform. And it doesn't matter if someone in your life doesn't understand -- they don't need to -- our obedience to God is all that is required.
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About the author
Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.