Living As God's Obedient Servants

"Today's Devotion" For May 31, 2005

Read: I Peter 2:13-17; Acts 4:1-22

LIVING AS GOD'S OBEDIENT SERVANTS

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as servants of God."(I Pet.2:16)

As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington found himself writing often to the Continental Congress. Throughout his many missives to that august group, he shared many thoughts, frustrations, and hopes. Sometimes he even let them feel his anger. Yet, as was the custom of his day, especially in "polite society" among people of good manners when addressing such an important group of people, General Washington ended each of his missives with the words, "Your obedient servant."

That closing is a reminder of what we have been called to be in Jesus Christ. Peter reminds us that we are called to live our lives as truly obedient servants of God in Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility to be obedient to those whom God has placed in authority over us, whether the civil authorities, our parents, or the people for whom we work. Thus, it's our responsibility as God's redeemed children to be obedient to the law of the land, show respect and honor our parents, and be conscientious and faithful workers in our places of work or business. Such obedience is pleasing to God, except where the "rules" by which we're asked to live require us to behave in a manner clearly contrary to God's Will.

It's our primary purpose as the redeemed children of God, while living on the earth, to share His love in Jesus Christ with the world around us. We seek to live lives that reflect the goodness, mercy, and grace of God. As we live a life filled with the good works motivated by our faith and trust in Jesus, and done for the good of others, we will become effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Our works of faith and love will speak for themselves and silence all those who foolishly claim that Christian values are a detriment to our culture and society. By so living in obedience to God, whether we're at work or play, the hearts of others whom we touch can be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit working through us to bring Christ into empty hearts and lives. Our acts of love and compassion in obedience to God are used by the Holy Spirit to win people over to at least hearing about Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins.

It's been my experience that people are always going to "bash" the message of the Gospel. The most likely source of ignorant and foolish "bashing" of Jesus and His Church isn't from the poor, the needy, the downtrodden, the hurting, or the homeless; Jesus and His Church are more likely to have their greatest detractors among the "intellectual elite," or what is often called the "intelligentsia." In the face of such "bashing," Peter encourages us to live lives of faith that are completely open and above board to others. Rather than following the world's path and involving ourselves in corruption and intrigue, we acknowledge our sins and seek our Lord's forgiveness. We are a people in Christ that strive to speak the truth at all times, seeking to establish that our word is our bond. This is our faithful service to God, as we live as His "obedient servants." Such living also touches the lives of others so that God's children are blessings to society and give strength to the state, deflecting any claims that we are, in any way, a hindrance to the lawful work of the state. True patriotism starts with our full obedience to God, as we live as His "obedient servants."

Prayer: Father, so often it seems that being a Christian is seen as a detriment to public service. As I look around me, I see subtle, and even blatant messages in society that say that religion and politics don't mix and that it's "politically incorrect" to mix religion and public service. You have called me into a relationship with You, gracious Father, through Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord, so that I might be a truly obedient servant in my life, and a true and open example of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness for the whole world. Give me the strength of faith and purpose that I might fearlessly and boldly serve You and others in Jesus' name. Let my actions reflect Your love for the world and bring glory to Your name. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.