Be on Fire for God
As I reflect on my relationship with Christ, I am amazed at how far I’ve come. But equally, I am amazed at just how much further I can go. There never once will come a point in my relationship with God that I will be completely done with learning and growing. There is always opportunity for more.
We live in such a time now where everyone looks to serve self. How can one look good, feel good, be better than others? Our society often says they don’t have time for God. But after reading the Word today, I challenge you to change your outlook on life and the way you navigate your walk with Christ. No more inhibitions and no more self-serving gospel. Let’s read the following scriptures:
Jeremiah 20:9 (emphasis added) Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
Acts 18:9-10 (emphasis added) One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid anymore, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you in order to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.”
Romans 1:16-17 (emphasis added) I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed in a way that awakens more faith]. As it is written and forever remains written, “The just and upright shall live by faith.”
When I saw Jeremiah 20:9 the other day, it immediately stopped me in my tracks. The prophet, Jeremiah, described God’s Word as fire shut up in his bones that he could not contain. If you know anything about Jeremiah, this prophet always had to share some difficult prophecies. Most times, the prophecies the Lord gave him we’re not well received by the hearer. In fact, in chapter 20, Jeremiah the Prophet was already imprisoned for the Word he shared. To many, it would seem beneficial if Jeremiah would just stop prophesying openly. But even though people would torment him and hate him, (well really hate God because Jeremiah was merely a messenger of God), he found it impossible to NOT share.
Similarly in Acts and Romans, the Apostle Paul faced much adversity. However, he earnestly contended that he was not ashamed of the gospel and he heeded the voice of the Lord to not stop teaching in a specific area.
In each one of the above mentioned verses of scripture, the zeal of the Saint overrided their feelings of discomfort or fear of what mankind would do to their physical members if they continue to speak the true Word of God. Frankly, these three scriptures convicted me. In today’s time, many of us water down the Word or don’t even publicly identify as being followers of Christ because we are afraid of the consequences. Maybe that means losing a friend or family, maybe that means we will not be recognized among man, maybe that means the call on our life will take us in a direction we didn’t plan for ourselves. Whatever it may be, we are afraid of what we feel/think is negative.
Yet, the Saints of old (aka in the Biblical days) were more willing to run the risk of losing material things, of being imprisoned, and of losing their very mortal life for the sake of sharing the Word of God or in the New Testament, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
James 4:14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].
We know that life is truly short in comparison to eternity. And moreover, the duration’s of one’s life could be short in comparison to someone else. For example, a twenty-two year old dying is different than a ninety-seven year old dying. While they both lived, one person had a significantly longer life. And so it is important to live your life for Christ. Knowing that living our lives holy will only lead to the greatest reward of Heaven. So no matter what we face, to live is the everyday honor to teach of Christ, but to die in and for the cause of Christ means to look forward to being united with Him in Heaven:
Philippians 1:12-29 (emphasis added)
The Gospel Is Preached
12 Now I want you to know, believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation]. 13 My imprisonment in [the cause of] Christ has become common knowledge throughout the whole praetorian (imperial) guard and to everyone else. 14 Because of my chains [seeing that I am doing well and that God is accomplishing great things], most of the brothers have renewed confidence in the Lord, and have far more courage to speak the word of God [concerning salvation] without fear [of the consequences, seeing that God can work His good in all circumstances]. 15 Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me]. 16 The latter [preach Christ] out of love, because they know that I have been put here [by God on purpose] for the defense of the gospel; 17 but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then [does it matter]? So long as in every way, whether in pretense [for self-promotion] or in all honesty [to spread the truth], Christ is being preached; and in this I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice [later as well], 19 for I know [with confidence] that this will turn out for my deliverance and spiritual well-being, through your prayers and the [superabundant] supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ [which upholds me]. 20 It is my own eager expectation and hope, that [looking toward the future] I will not disgrace myself nor be ashamed in anything, but that with courage and the utmost freedom of speech, even now as always, Christ will be magnified and exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
To Live Is Christ
21 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. 22 If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. 23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; 24 yet to remain in my body is more necessary and essential for your sake. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your rejoicing for me may overflow in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.27 Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel. 28 And in no way be alarmed or intimidated [in anything] by your opponents, for such [constancy and fearlessness on your part] is a [clear] sign [a proof and a seal] for them of [their impending] destruction, but [a clear sign] for you of deliverance and salvation, and that too, from God. 29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 [and so you are] experiencing the same [kind of] conflict which you saw me endure, and which you hear to be mine now.
The author of Philippians had such a great attitude because He knew he was living in such a way and sharing the gospel that he was okay whether he lived OR died. Why? Because whether he could share the Word or be reunited with God, both were awesome options. But he understood the benefit of being here on earth to keep sharing the word with others. How unselfish is that?
And moreover, how many of us contemporarily are truly okay with dying because we know for certain we are going to Heaven? And how many of us know we can expect the privilege of Heaven because we have fulfilled our God-ordained calling on earth? If you are uncertain, repent and live your life unashamedly for Christ. Live as if tomorrow is not guaranteed to you, because it is not. Today, choose to serve the Lord with no inhibitions and not being driven by your own desires. Be like Jeremiah and be on fire for God.
Lord, I come before you humbly. Father, help me to serve you completely and totally. Please help me to be on fire for you - not self serving or strong in flesh, but to be a servant of you and strong in my faith. Help me to die to my flesh daily that I may hear you totally, that I may serve you wholly. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Worship song: Set a Fire by Vashawn Mitchell