Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtWhen Jesus saved you and I, He gave us eternal life. But He gave us more than that. He left us with a quest—the quest to become Christ-like so that we could be a blessing and a light to the world around us. We see this in2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV): "But we all... beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." When the Bible says to be conformed to the image of Christ, and a man or woman wants to have a greater revelation of that image, two passages of scripture that are often looked to for greater insight are Proverbs 31 and Psalm 112. I have always loved Psalm 112. It is to a man what Proverbs 31 is to a woman. In both cases, they are templates that paint the reflection of what any man or woman would desire to see themselves become through Christ.I meditate on the verses ofPsalm 112 repeatedly. I have never read these verses without gaining strength and renewed vigor regarding the kind of person God desires me to be. Let me make it clear that these verses are by no means for men only. They are much about the strength of character, integrity, and identity in the Lord. Those qualities are universal to men and women alike.Psalms 112:1,9 (NLT) says, "Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who (reverentially) fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands... They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor."
The words "shares freely and gives generously with those in need" show us that Christ-like character developed in a person. This statement is often thought of and interpreted as one who gives monetary or material gifts to those who are lacking. That is a proper interpretation, but the application does not stop there. This person sharing with others is one who acts instinctively out of the core of his or her being. Just as he finds it necessary to breathe, so is it also a part of him or herself to give something to others. The reason it would be shallow to think in terms of just monetary or material is because God has endowed us with gifts that go beyond the monetary or material.Most Christians experience times when their ability to give monetary or material gifts is limited. But Romans 12:6 NIV says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” The Bible tells us that by God's grace, He has endowed us with various gifts and talents. These are very precious gifts. An example of just one type of gift mentioned is the gift of mercy.I think that most of us have had occasions where we’ve done something stupid or been woefully inadequate at an assigned task. At times like that, we often feel discouraged and beat ourselves up. Just about that time, God will send a mercy-motivated person along who does everything in their power to comfort you, remind you of God’s love and forgiveness, and encourage you with kind and exhorting words. These types of people keep you in the game and give you a great appreciation for this gift called mercy. All the various talents and abilities that God has provided us with are gifts that can be freely given to others. Every time someone volunteers to serve you in the church in any capacity, whether it be someone helping you park your car greeted you at the door, or someone who came to church early to make the coffee waiting for you in the lobby, or someone ministering to your children while you sit in a church service worshiping and listening to God's word. These are people using the gift of God to be a blessing to you! And this doesn't just happen in the church. God helps us use our gifts so that we may be salt and light to the world around us day by day! As we begin to open our eyes and see the needs of those around us, we can open our hearts and let God draw those gifts out.One morning, I was in a restaurant having breakfast with guys in my weekly discipleship group. A gentleman overheard us talking about God. He was in a very difficult place in his life. He said, "I don't think I know or understand God like you do, but I could sure use some prayer!" This was at the end of our group, and so we prayed together with him, and then the group left. I asked the man if he could talk for a few more minutes. He was happy to. I shared the gospel of Jesus with him and asked him if he would like to invite Jesus to be His Lord and Savior. He said, "Yes!" and we prayed right then and there. Before we parted ways, I invited Him to church the following Sunday. He accepted the offer. I then gave him some books to help him in his Christian walk that I always keep in supply in my car. He came to church that Sunday and has been coming ever since, and the power of God has utterly transformed his life. He didn't need money; he needed prayer and Jesus. We stopped what we were doing, and God's gifting in us met his needs.
You are surrounded every day by people in need! Ask God to use you, and then pay attention and respond as the Holy Spirit leads you in your day. There is NOTHING more exciting than being used by God to freely give from the treasure of gifts that He has placed within you! This is a part of what helps us become transformed into the image of God over time. Are you ready to experience some transformation? Be available and pay attention to how God uses you and your gifts today!Romans 12:6 (NIV) "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...." In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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