Given a Task

 

Given a Task

Galatians 2: ⁶ But those who seemed to be the leaders—I say this because it makes no difference to me what they were; God does not judge by outward appearances—those leaders, I say, made no new suggestions to me. ⁷ On the contrary, they saw that God had given me the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews. 

 

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When my parents said “clean up this” or “clean up that” it felt like drudgery, but I would do it. But when the teacher was passing out “tasks” she overlooked my raised hand and picked someone behind me. “What about me?” I asked. She said “Okay, you can clean up the book area.”

 

• I was delighted to be chosen!
• I was excited to be part of something.
• I was willing to do what it took when I was given a task to do.

 

Outward appearances were not what Paul was going for. He had run into phony people who spoke about GOD on the surface, but were seeking fame and praise. Those who were truly following JESUS saw Paul’s actions from his heart. He was given a task by GOD to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.

 

My Observations

• GOD looks at my heart actions versus surface actions.
• GOD knows when I am being sincere versus self-serving.
• GOD gives me tasks because HE wants me to succeed in growing HIS kingdom.

 

Getting tasks from GOD happens daily. I mean, HE wants me to pray for those around me and hope that all I encounter in a given day, accept JESUS as the Savior. The task HE gives to us is usually not small,

 

HE wants all to be saved. Unfortunately there are times when I get distracted by the days worries or a season or even a specific day. GOD loved me so much that HE gave me HIS one and only SON so I could believe in HIM and be saved. I am glad I can look beyond the day and see HIS eternal love.

 

Challenge

• What task is the writer given?
• Why is his task different than Peter’s?
• What task do you believe GOD is giving you?

 

Dear LORD, please give the reader a clear task for today. Let him or her know YOUR love. amen

Consider the Menial

Consider the Menial

Romans 16: ²¹ Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

²² I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

²³ Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. ²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

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“You are invited to the meeting” were words that delighted me. I did not know why I was invited because it included high ranking officers in the company. “Maybe they recognize ‘my’ potential” I arrogantly thought to myself.

 

“You are here to take notes.” I was dejected, but did so anyway. After a while, I was known amongst the officers. They promoted me and I did not have to ask for it.

 

• There have been tasks that I felt were beneath me.
• There have been things that needed to be done that I felt someone else should do.
• There have been menial jobs, assignments and projects I have been given that I labeled as low visibility, meanwhile I looked with envy at thing I labeled as “high” visibility, meaning the high people would see it.

 

If I were to ask “Who wrote the letter to the Romans?” everyone would say Paul and they would be partially correct. These are Pauls’ words as given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT, but the real “writer” of the letter is Tertius. He mentions that he “wrote” the letter.

 

• GOD wants me to not think more highly of myself.
• GOD wants me to be faithful with small things so HE can trust me with the large.
• GOD wants me to see every person as “high” and keep away from labeling people with levels.

 

Tertius was obedient to GOD and did not think it to be too low to receive dictation from Paul. He probably felt quite the opposite. I wonder if he felt he had a sense of duty to get this important message out from Paul who was oppressed everywhere he went. This menial  task led to a great letter. I am grateful for all those who are like Tertius, serving the LORD and knowing what they do is important.

 

• Do you feel lower than other people?
• Do you think that what GOD has you doing is menial?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and know that what you are doing for the LORD is considered great to HIM?