Originally published Monday, 05 August 2013.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
I need to start this post by asking you a question. Are you about your Father’s business? Meaning…are you doing what God has called you to do or are you at least on your way? Personally, I wake up purpose-driven, because I know that there are so many people who need to know Christ and grow stronger in their walk with the Lord. But that’s not just for me. Each one of us has a purpose and a destiny to fulfill before we leave this earth. Jesus had a purpose, and His heart’s desire was to do the will of God and to please His Father. So, how about you?
With all the demands of life, we have to make sure that God is at the top of everything that we do. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto to you.” When we seek God first and live right in His sight, all the other things in our lives will be taken care of. That’s His Word. When we seek to live a life that pleases the Lord and not ourselves, do you know that He can accomplish so much on our behalf and others? It’s true! But we have to be willing to die to our way of doing things and trade it in for His way.
In 2 Corinthians 5:15 Paul tell us, “Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive this new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.” (NLT)
I don’t know if you’ve ever read this Scripture this way before, but do you understand what Paul is saying? When we become Christians, our lives are supposed to change and reflect a life that pleases the Lord. We no longer live, talk, or desire to be like the world. Instead, we desire to live, talk, and be like Christ. Amen! Second Corinthians 5:17 confirms this when it says, “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!”
When I accepted Christ a long time ago, I was pretty young. I remember rededicating my life several times, because I’d backslidden as a teenager, then as a young adult. Sure, I went to church and did the works, but my lifestyle wasn’t pleasing unto the Lord. Why? Because even though I’d accepted Christ, I was still living like a sinner. I still desired the things of the world. Quite frankly, I was still clubbing, cursing when I was angry, having sex outside of marriage, doing what I wanted to do, watching what I wanted to watch, including seeking Hollywood (yes, I wanted to be an actress at one time)…but the point here is that I was living to please me…not Him.
But as I grew older and my life began to get harder, I started seeking God in a deeper way. I dug into the Word more and asked the Lord to lead me to a teaching ministry and bless me with a mentor, so I could learn how to truly live the life He desired. And when He did, I began to really understand that my lifestyle needed to change and reflect what His Word said. This was such a life-changing experience for me. It was like my religious blinders were removed and my spiritual eyes were opened! My life was changing by the grace and power of God!
I say all this because God wants us to please Him, just as Jesus did. And I believe in order for us to be effective for the Kingdom, we have to be set-apart from worldly ambitions and the desire to please ourselves. Whether you are a wife, mother, friend, mentor, leader, or employee, God wants to use you for something awesome! But think about it like this, if you’re still acting like the world, how can you be used effectively to help win the lost? We’re in the world, but not of it. Many people have beautiful gifts and talents, but God desires character (fruit) to accompany them. Always keep in mind that it’s the anointing that destroys the yokes of bondage. That’s what this is about. We are called to be set apart to bring others to Christ. Second Corinthians says, “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry.” Did you get that?
Listen sis, many people are dying out there in the world around you. They need a Savior and they need to know that God has a plan and a purpose for their lives. And God wants to use you! Yes, you! So if you’re sitting on your gifts, ask God to show you when, where, and how to use them. Don’t bury them. If you can offer a smile, gift, hope, love, or a word in due season, don’t withhold it. If you dance, sing, act, write, or have a unique talent, use it to benefit the Kingdom, not the world. It’s time to use it! We’re definitely living in the last days, and now is certainly not the time to draw back, waiver in your faith, doubt God, or let your gifts lay dormant. It’s time to share Jesus through your life. Today is the day of the salvation. It’s time to be about the Father’s business and please Him. Jesus said in John 8:29, “…For I always do those things that are pleasing to him.” (NLT) So, how about you?
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! And don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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