11.22.07
“GROW UP!”
Hebrews 5:12-14
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Ted, a Christian businessman was absolutely frustrated. You see, Ted had recently hired a man from his church to fill a vacancy at his business. The man had been out of work for several months and the family was struggling financially. The church had been praying for the man to find a job. Ted was delighted that he could assist the family and at the same time have a conscientious employee who was a Christian. His joy was short lived.
There was a big problem—-the man was a flake! I don’t think that is a spiritual term, but I hope you will grasp the meaning. The man was a terrible representative of Christianity. He was often late arriving for work, took longer for lunch and breaks than was allowed and did his job in a halfhearted manner.
Ted counseled and prayed with the man, but there was no improvement. In fact the man became sullen and bitter toward Ted. The matter resolved itself to some degree when the man quit unexpectedly and went to work for another company which was a competitor of Ted’s company.
This is a fictitious story although I have heard reports that such things have happened. It is heartbreaking to imagine that any Christian could behave on the job in a manner that is questionable.
Integrity! This week we have looked at who God is and how we as human creatures are by nature sinful and separated from God. It is only by the blood of Jesus that we have been redeemed and have been given a new life in Christ.
Having been born again, we come into the Christian life as spiritual babies. Sad to say, there are some Christians who have remained mere spiritual babies instead of maturing in the Lord. It is tragic that many people who should be living examples of Jesus Christ, are dismal failures with little or no integrity.
Every Christian should be a radiant example of Christ. We should consider others before ourselves and put in an honest day’s work for the wages we are paid. We will speak of that tomorrow. Watch for it!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil