So, if you don't mind reading a layman's thoughts, read on :)
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As of late, I have been coming to terms with myself that I will be graduating soon, and with schooling soon out the way, I will be required to work, start a family and I guess, put on my big boy pants (responsibilities). As much as I am excited for freedom from the public education system, I am just as much anticipating for the responsibilities that will come forth.
I don't think I have been as open I would like to be, not because I choose to hide it, but I don't think the formality was there. I guess to make it short, you can say I have amazing traditional parents as they've taken care of most, if not all of my needs. My dad over the past few years has been giving me tasks after tasks to do, from simply working to dealing with things I never thought he'd trust me with. Regardless, I am thankful for the responsibilities in which my father has given me. I have to admit though, some tasks I get from my dad makes me doubt my own abilities and work ethic, but these real life experiences, I know is priceless. Leading me to realize that, over these past few years that the tasks my dad has been giving me, it is not to make his life easier, but as a tool to help me understand people and the world a little better. I guess you can say, to understand the teachings of the bible in a more applicable way.
Now, I am a slow learner and I aint the brightest. Thus, I have to work ten folds harder than the average in order for me to understand something. What this means, is I have to be incredibly thorough in the things I do, otherwise I make mistakes very easily. My dad knows me very well, so he knows my weaknesses and strengths, thus, the tasks which he gives me, is not just for his entertainment but as a way to shape me in my strengths and to strengthen my weaknesses. Let it be known though, that if I do not see my own weaknesses, I would never be able to improve because I might make the same mistake over and over again not seeing what I have been doing wrong. Thus, my dad would never give me greater or harder tasks when I cannot complete the simple stuff.
Alla dis, leads to me saying this. One day, we will have greater responsibilities than we currently do. Right now, most of us have great comfort given our living conditions. What we consider bad, such as, "oh man, I have so much school work, how will I ever finish it, life is unfair!" or "I have to work 10 hours for the rest of the week, why me!!!!" or my favorite, "I have to get up at what time? Yall be tripping". All of this, will be so minuscule compared to the responsibilities you might have, especially if you have the desire to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth and teaching them everything you have been taught. Making disciples who can also make disciples. *** Check out the ministry of Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, Apostle Paul in the book of Acts & Jesus himself (look at the responsibilities they were given, and their response to it).
If we ever have the mentality of, "I don't have to be fully responsible nor complete my task right now, because I can", you will never be of honorable use to God.
For he says in 2 Timothy 2:20-22:
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[d] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
God only uses holy vessels, which leads to and is ready for every good work given by and from God. So I have been thinking, if I am not faithful and responsible with what I have now, I highly doubt I will be with greater things. Similar to the parables of the talent Jesus spoke upon. Thus, there is an aspect of holiness and sanctification on our part if we have even the slightest thought in being so privilege to carry out the work of God. However, how we attain holiness and sanctification, is only found in a greater knowledge and love for Christ Jesus, the Spirit of God and the Father. And if we truly desire to be of honorable use, and ready for responsibilities not only of the earthly realm but of the Kingdom of God, we must first know who God is. And thus, the root and origin of it all is found in the scriptures and on our knees. Yeah, this is getting kinda long, so imma stop here.
Love you guys. I know that I need to pray and read more than you, because if i dont, these words have little or no influence and you will KNOW that I simply being a hypocrite and you probably wont see the need for deeper communion and relationship with God if the one speaking it aint doing it.
God only uses holy vessels, which leads to and is ready for every good work given by and from God. So I have been thinking, if I am not faithful and responsible with what I have now, I highly doubt I will be with greater things. Similar to the parables of the talent Jesus spoke upon. Thus, there is an aspect of holiness and sanctification on our part if we have even the slightest thought in being so privilege to carry out the work of God. However, how we attain holiness and sanctification, is only found in a greater knowledge and love for Christ Jesus, the Spirit of God and the Father. And if we truly desire to be of honorable use, and ready for responsibilities not only of the earthly realm but of the Kingdom of God, we must first know who God is. And thus, the root and origin of it all is found in the scriptures and on our knees. Yeah, this is getting kinda long, so imma stop here.
Love you guys. I know that I need to pray and read more than you, because if i dont, these words have little or no influence and you will KNOW that I simply being a hypocrite and you probably wont see the need for deeper communion and relationship with God if the one speaking it aint doing it.