Remain in Him

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4 ESV)

Christ tells us that only when we are a part of Him can we bear the fruits of salvation. Sometimes, our pride kicks in, our ambition takes over, and our “service” to the Lord is self-serving. When Jesus saves us, and the irresistible love takes over, our desire to please can overwhelm us. Paul warned in 1 Timothy that someone new in faith should not be placed in a position where this can happen (1 Timothy 3:6).

When we become involved in service, we are obligated to God. If we are single, that service has no scriptural restrictions. As we mature and marry, the scriptures surrounding the obligations of having a spouse become equally important and should not be neglected. Add children to the family, and scriptures surrounding the obligation of family also takes away from service obligations. In our devotion to God, we cannot ignore one part or another of our overall dedication. Each aspect, including family obligations, is equally valued in God's eyes.

When we choose to ignore the balance of scripture in our lives, we open the door to Satan. If we ignore our wives or husbands, we open the door to sexual sin. When we ignore our children, we open the door to the evil of the disregard for authority. We may not express the love needed to those who love us, causing hurt and pain. This is all a result of the sins of pride, selfishness, and ambition.

Being ambitious is not wrong if the Lord tempers it. If you want a promotion, work for it, but not at the expense of others. Pray to the Lord for guidance and deliverance. Trust in the Lord to guide you in all things, and pride and ambition will stay in check. Do not be like the TV pastors who have sold their souls for money preaching a false gospel.

Paul wrote this in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 ESV:

24 Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Christ came as a servant taking human form. Obedient to the Father, Jesus spread the gospel, the good news that the kingdom of God had come near, He had come near. He sacrificed Himself, spilling his blood in our place so that we may be redeemed. We should serve with devotion but with temperance. Serve with love and care. Honor God above all things, and you will find the narrow gate with closed eyes hearing well done, my faithful servant.

Peace and Grace!