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Love Your Neighbor
Richard WaialealeMatthew 19:17-22 (NIV)
17 Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,
19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
One day a young pastor was speaking to his mentor about his call to ministry and become a lead pastor. The young pastor said he felt that the position he was currently assigned to was less then what he was called to, a lead pastor, and wanted the opportunity to shepherd his own flock. The mentor asked him if he felt he was ready to take on this huge responsibility. The young pastor said that he felt God had called him to the position of a lead pastor, and yes, he felt ready. The wise mentor asked him if at the present position position he’s serving allowed for him to minister to the people, to love on the people and to counsel the people. The young pastor said yes it did. Then the wise mentor said, I see, so you just want control. Silence.
Without saying it, the mentor indirectly pointed out that he didn’t really love the people but only wanted the control for himself. Answering God’s call comes with a price of doing a heart check. There will be times when God’s call will be in sight, but we need to serve in areas we’re going through to build integrity, character and spiritual fitness. Unless we past the test, we will fail at being placed in our call prematurely. I must enter into whatever and wherever God uses me. I must be willing and available.
Lord I pray, thank you for showing me these lessons through Your Word and through life examples. Amen.
