The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
July 8, 2001
In
This Issue:
"Dedicated,
Determined, Dependable"
By
Steve Klein
Dedicated, Determined, Dependable
A local TV station has as its motto "Dedicated, Determined, Dependable." While this may or may not be an accurate description of Channel 48's personnel, it strikes me that these words ought to be a true description of you and me as children of God. Truly, "the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" (Luke 16:8). If people of the world are dedicated, determined and dependable in their secular pursuits, surely those of us who are doing heaven's work should be more so.
Dedicated
To be dedicated is to be completely committed. Jesus doesn't ask us to give a part of ourselves to Him; He wants our all. He doesn't just want three hours on Sunday and one hour on Wednesday. He wants us to be at His disposal every moment of every day - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. He promises that, "whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Luke 9:24).
I suspect that a truly dedicated television newsperson would be ready at any time of the day or night to cover a big story. I have watched TV weathermen stay up all night to keep the public informed during periods of dangerous weather. These people consider such sacrifices to be completely reasonable because they have completely committed themselves to their work. Even so, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).
Determined
In Luke 9:62 Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Our minds must be made up and focused. On one occasion Barnabas encouraged the saints in Antioch that "with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23). Nothing, nothing, nothing should keep us from continuing to serve the Lord. No trial, tribulation or disappointment should be allowed to change our minds. Like Paul, our attitude should be that "none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy&ldots;" (Acts 20:24).
Dependable
If anything important happens in North Alabama, a truly dependable TV news station would be on the story like a hen on a June bug. You could count on it.
Can the Lord count on you? If a car only runs two days a week is it dependable? If an employee only shows up for work half the time, is he a faithful employee? Can the Lord count on you to assemble with the saints to worship Him? Can He count on you day by day to study, pray, teach and be an example. Will He be able to greet you on the last day and say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21)?
by Steve Klein