GoOd SoiL

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God."

-1 Corinthians 7:17-24

We should be content with where God has placed us. God wants us to be content with the circumstances of our lives, for God Himself seems to be satisfied with them for the time being. What really matters is not what position we have, not how highly regarded we are, not how much authority we have, or whatever—but it is keeping the commandments that matters. If we are in a position, and we keep God's commandments, then it is likely that God Himself will change our circumstances for the better. He will find a way to promote us in time. This is achieved when we humble ourselves in front of God and our brothers and sisters. We are all connected to one body (1 Cor. 6:15), it is up to us to keep that body completely devoted to Gods calling on our lives. When God puts you in a certain location or position, it doesn't mean that you are to get comfortable. But, root yourself in the good soil He has put you in, ready to plant seeds in other areas as well. I myself am having to be reminded of this daily, that even though this soil He has me in now is amazing and fruitful, He has the power and authority to root me up and place me somewhere else that I am needed. Whether we are in Africa, Australia, America, Asia...we must be content in every situation, because God has a promise for us, and that promise is hope and a future. If God is for us, who shall be against us. There is nothing higher than Him, when He says that He is going to bless our jobs, ministries or callings, this means that it is going to be done. God has the authority to make it all happen, we must have faith in that authority and submit to it...no matter what the circumstances are.

As I am learning how to run a ministry and be a leader to leaders, a lot of grace and humbleness is needed. Sometimes I just want to yell and scream at people, a little righteous anger...you know...throw some tables around and crack that whip! But I am reminded when James tells us that we must "be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19). This doesn't mean we lay down and be a doormat, but it means we slow down and seek God in everything. Even in those times that people drive you crazy and all you want to do is lash out. We must rest in that good soil, and know that He is faithful to answer. So many times I accuse people of making me mad, driving me to that point where I am full on anger. But anger and anxiety against our brothers and sisters are sins, we do these things to ourselves. God won't put us in those positions where we can't control our own actions, He won't temp us beyond our control (James 1:13-14). We allow ourselves to become angry and stressed out, we fall into that sin on our own, not on the account of someone else. God has given us a spirit of strength and love, anything outside of that is not of God. When I become stressed out, it's not because a situation is stressing me out, but I am just a stressed out person at that time. I just need to come to the cross and slow down, allowing God to pour His grace into me and resting in that good soil. I am hoping and praying that in my life, I am slow to speak and quick to listen to people. How are we to display the kingdom in our lives when we are just a bunch of angry and stressed out people who really don't value relationships anymore. Lately I have seen relationships dry out because pride crept in and did it's work. We must throw all those things aside and count them as rubbish (Philippians 3:8)!! Having these things in our lives would be like sitting in the sewers and covering yourselves with filth and waste. Just sitting there and allowing all this rubbish to build up on you. Think if you sat there for about a week, do you think anyone would want to come and embrace you or hang out with you. Would you feel good about yourself, would you boast about your situation...I don't think I would. Than why are we so at ease about being angry, stressed out, and counting relationships as "oh, I just don't want to talk with that person because they upset me or they did this to me"...so what!?! The kingdom is near, it is inside each of us. Let's not think that this rubbish we hold onto as attractive and "just a part of life on earth". I will not stand and think that anger and broken relationships are just part of life, I refuse...not denial...but truth in Christ. Do you think there are going to be anger and stress in heaven...of course not...than why do we bring these into our lives. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Gods kingdom will be on earth as it it in heaven, lets press in and live our lives in that promise.

For His Glory,

Ian