PRINCIPLES OF DEVOTED LIVING

PRINCIPLES OF DEVOTED LIVING


This is a dedication to all youths in the ministry.. Serving God is not in vain.. I have been in the leadership for sometimes now... There is much profit in serving God.



1 COR 7:17-24

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
 (Corinthians 1 07 : 17 - 24 )



*one of the principles which Paul underlines in paragraph is the necessity to appreciate the value which God has placed on you. "Ye are bought with a price" vs 23. Every child of God is of value in the estimation of God. Every individual and every life is of importance to God. This is what Paul is stressing in this section. Thoughts of self pity and personal rejection must be refused and replaced by an appreciation of 'my worth' before the Lord.
There are no second class saints, only second class thinkers. Every person is of value to God and should be of value to those who wish to think as God does.



ACCEPTANCE

Notice also the need to accept whatever circumstances into which God has brought us. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called" (vs 20).  Self pity, lack of self confidence, a misunderstanding about God's purposes all may combine to paralyze a person. Paul mskes clear that all saints should serve God where they are and in whatever circumstances they are found.


ABIDE WITH GOD

Finally, Paul makes a plea that every saint should use whatever circumstances God has brought him into, to abide with God (vs 24). Cultivating the fellowship of God is something which is open to every believer in every set of circumstances. The eternal abiding principles of God transcend cultures,time and circumstances. Remember Mathew 6:33 " seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  Putting God first and allowing Him to order the remainder of my life will never result in loss.


" I have learned in whatsoever state I am to be content;.... I am strong for all things in Christ who is constantly pouring strength into me " Phil 4:11,13


" Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" Eccl. 9:10


In His Service,

Harri