June 2006 

Beware Of What You Once Were  

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Do you hang on tightly to what you once were? Do you prefer to stay along the shore or where the water is smooth inside the harbor of life? We all have the tendency to want to remain where we are comfortable – with the things we know - even if that current place is unfulfilling, or worse, unhealthy. We would rather stay with the familiar than venture out into the uncertain. However, what God has called you to is something greater. He has a plan and a purpose for your life. One thing is certain - you will find no greater peace and contentment in your life than fulfilling God’s purpose and living within God's will. You probably know this already, but all of us at times need to be reminded of it. That is what the apostle Paul is speaking to in the verse from his letter to the Romans referenced above. Our bodies are not our own. Our very life and breath is a gift from God and is designed to be used in his service.

Just recently, during Sunday morning worship, we took the time to pray individually that God would make His will for our lives known. Too often we find ourselves on a course that is not bearing fruit in our lives or in the lives of others. Yet out of a sense of duty we continue on, often at great personal sacrifice. We find ourselves somewhere between wanting to press on in drudgery, doing something that we think will please the Lord, and looking to the past where we envision things were once better. But God has so much more in store for you! He may be calling you into the uncharted waters of your life. He may be wanting to take you out of your “comfort zone” (or dis-comfort zone!). In the words of Oswald Chambers, "beware of harking back to what you were once when God wants you to be something you have never been."

We once were sinners, but the Lord Christ’s suffering and death has changed that. We once were frustrated, weary, and lacking fruit, but God the Father working through the Holy Spirit in our lives has changed that! Beware of what you once were, for what God has in store for you is far superior.

In His name,

Pastor Augie