Cheated

Have you ever been cheated? Years ago, I was invited to attend a home bible study with a couple of guys. I felt honored and privileged to be invited to this study and gladly welcomed the invitation. As the leader began to teach I noticed that he was emphasizing too much on works. Was this legalism? I thought. Oh yeah, it was definitely legalism and even me as a baby Christian knew that something was wrong. At the end of the study he began to tell me that I wasn't really a disciple of Jesus Christ. I said, Now wait a minute, I love Jesus Christ and I have freely received His salvation! Well, I walked away that night not feeling like I wasn't believer, but feeling like I had been cheated. Someone has said that, "legalism is a lie, that comes like a law, that leads to lifelessness." That is exactly what I witnessed that night. The Apostle Paul writing to the Colossian Church said, "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility" Col 2:18 When someone tries to come at you and question your salvation. Remember, that you have been justified freely by His grace!!!

Possition Problems

One of the most common problems in our Churches today is the attempt to try to earn a leadership position. People love the idea of being in charge and having some kind of recognition from others. People will come knocking on the Pastor's door explaining to him how skilled they are at playing the guitar, teaching a bible study, and preaching a sermon. I don't recall ever hearing of someone telling the Pastor how skilled they are at cleaning the Church facility, folding bulletins, or taking out the Churches trash. This is because most people would like to hurdle over everyone else in order to get to the front of the line. Someone has said that. "Before you give a man the podium, you should first give him the plunger." I would have to agree with that. Jesus said, "if anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." God's church needs more humble servants. The work of God needs to get done without pride dwelling in the hearts of His people. God help us to remember the words of our Lord, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."