I remember in the sixth grade, I wanted so badly to be liked. That was the one year, I sat aside by formerly studious behaviors. Sometimes, because we could some of us would go to the bathroom where we would giggle, laugh, and even play games of jacks. It was so easy to goof off for a little while. Everyone seemed to like me, at least for a little while. I had worked hard to lose some weight. My speech impediment pretty much gone. Then, it happened. For the first time, I did not go to the scholastic meet in math. Based off one test, I got left behind. No blue ribbon that year. I was devastated. Humiliated and angry with myself, I knew I could do more. Worse, how often in life, do I realize suddenly I could do more because of love for Jesus Christ, but I didn’t.
In Jesus Christ, empowered by His Holy Spirit, I could do more. I could be better, because of love for Jesus Christ. Then why do I get so distracted. What is it within me that draws me away from the mighty power of the Holy Spirit that indwells me? Pettiness, pride, and selfishness pull at me. Bidding me to listen to my feelings. Sins of my past rise steadily, reminding me of how much of a failure I am. Even though I know I have been forgiven, Satan loves to throw his darts deep into my heart and mind. Telling me I will never be enough. Yet, here it is Paul telling this young church in Thessalonica, his desire is that they do more. You have done wonderful things. But you can do more, and even better.
Is that not true of each of us?
I Thessalonians 4: (ESV)
Finally, then, brothers,[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:[b] that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body[c] in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Urge and Exhort You to do More- Why?
Because of love for Jesus. My granddaughter asked me this week if it was my mother who taught me about Jesus, and I said Yes. Mom first told me about Jesus. I listened to sermons and then one day, I fell in love with Jesus. She turned her head and said, “I am not certain that I have fallen in love with Jesus yet.” I thought a lot about that. Perhaps I have not ever loved Him to the fullness or the degree that I should either. How quickly I get drawn aside to other things or my own desires. How quickly I can be influenced to making the wrong decisions or even decisions for the wrong reasons.
Throughout scripture we are urged to be perfected in Christ.
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to [a]perfection, Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
But how do we learn to Do More because of Love for Jesus Christ?
- Remember He is always the one who will do the work of perfecting you (Heb 12:1-2)
- Trust in the Holy Spirit who indwells you (John 14:16, Romans 8:11)
- Repent Quickly when you first hear the voice calling you to confess (1John 1:9)
- Study His word (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12)
- Pray (I Thessalonians 5:16-17)
- Remember all that He has done for you (Psalm16:8)
- Surround yourself with shows, music and people who exhort you to keep your eyes on Jesus. (Psalm 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:33)
- Avoid willful sin. It can place you in a position where you watch play out with great suffering the results of your sin, like David did. Or it can cost you your witness. One day when you stand before the Lord with nothing in your hands to give Him: what a sad day. As you realize all you have been given, and you squandered it all on selfish desires. I am speaking here to Christians and hope you bring you more precisely on that subject. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
- Remember His Grace will complete the work in you. (Hebrews 10: 16-24)
Concluding Thought
How amazing is the Grace of God to allow me, after all I have done, to have another chance to learn to be more like Him! That He will allow me to do more by surrendering all that I am into His hands to do with as He will. Let me focus on Him and Him only. Only then will I be step by step transformed into His image.
Our only hope to do more for God’s glory results from a transformed new heart. We must lay aside our selfish desire because we see the absolute beauty of Jesus Christ. His glory transforms our heart as we fall in love with Him who first loved us.
How can I do more for God’s Glory? I must have a transformed heart–transformed by the love of Jesus Christ for us, compelling me to love Him
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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