Are you applying your gift?
What’s the responsibility of a “born again” believer in Jesus Christ? Is baptism and confession of sin all that is needed to be labeled a Christian? Are we to do something with our lives to reveal this commitment to and for our Lord?
Matthew 7:16-20 states followers of Jesus must be productive, or “bear good fruit.” I have heard many say they were saved when they were a child. Witnessing their lives, you would never know it, for they are not producing “good fruit.” These individuals are setting a wrong example to nonbelievers and to new believers as well.
An example is written in Matthew 25:14-30, a story about the talents, or money. Each person was given a sum of money, for the Master was leaving for an extended period of time, and these three individuals were to invest what was given to them. I find it interesting that what was given to them was according to their ability to produce. Two of the individuals made a profit. The third, sadly, had not produced anything, for he had buried his coin. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior at baptism, we have accepted a responsibility to invest what our Master has given to us. As the story further reveals, the two productive men were rewarded, the third rejected.
Standing before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ, will you be able to show a profit? Be honest and ask yourself this important question, for it’s a matter of your salvation. Here are some scriptures to contemplate: I Corinthians 9:27, the Apostle Paul states, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Also, I Corinthians 15:1-2, Paul wrote to his listeners to take a stand when you receive the Gospel and hold firmly to what was revealed to them. We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no free lunch.” Well, this applies to growing in our
relationship with Jesus, staying steadfast in the faith and investing what He has given to you.
Paul again warns us to apply what we have been given in II Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless you don’t stand the test.” With the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we produce good works, we are growing and becoming more productive.
Truly being a believer, saved by the blood of Jesus, one wants to follow Him, and naturally reflects Jesus in their own physical life.
There is also a warning in Hebrews 5:12-14 where a congregation wasn’t growing, they weren’t investing what was given to them wisely. This piece of scripture shows we must be growing, practicing righteousness, trained to discern between good and evil.
I know many will respond to the above by stating, it is written, “believe and you shall be saved.” Of course this is true, but remember, the word “believe” is an action word, a verb. One must do something with this gift of belief, by repenting and turning away from their former practice of deliberate sin, for this lifestyle hardens the heart against practicing righteousness.
Jesus stated, “Why do you call Me Lord, and not do the things which I said. Whoever comes to Me and hears My sayings and does them is like the man who built upon the Rock. Don’t be the man who built on the sand and got washed away,” Luke 6:46-49.
Therefore, if Jesus is living in you, your life reflects Him. Read Galatians 5:22-25, for this passage gives us an outline of the believers life with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them. If you live in the Spirit of Jesus, then you walk in the Spirit, another action word.
In closing, we must never rest and recline, letting our guard down, for Satan is roaming about seeking whom he can deceive. Don’t let this be referred to you, “I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter into My rest,” Hebrews 3:10-11. My prayer for you is that you will never hear those words, but will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Stay strong in the faith by prayer and Bible study, above all practicing what you learn.