I saw a faithful volunteer arriving at church at 6:30 am right on time for setup duty. When he arrived, almost everything was already set up. The church was set up the night before because there was going to be a special event that Sunday. One of the other volunteers teasingly said: “Didn’t you get the memo? We started at 4:30 this morning.” Emotions flooded the faithful volunteer. Frustration and disappointment that his perfect attendance record was broken. Sorrow and shame that he failed in his responsibility. The other volunteer, seeing the hurt on the faithful volunteer’s face, apologized and assured the faithful volunteer that he had done nothing wrong because he showed up to work at the appropriate time.
Word:
The Holy Spirit wants us to be assured that we are only to do our best at what we are supposed to do to please God. First, know that in all things God works for our good (Romans 8:28). God makes our shortcomings look like they were supposed to happen. Second, and most important, God wants our obedience more than anything else (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience is the only thing Christians can give Jesus that He does not already have.
Scripture:
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
1 Samuel 15:22, But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.
“Remember, if you don’t understand, ask!”