Are You Being Challenged Enough?
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.â€
(Matthew 7:19, 20)
New Testament Christians have definite characteristics. One such characteristic is that of doing the will of God the Father (Matthew 7:21). This important arrangement of wanting to please our heavenly Father raises a question about expectations. Are we being challenged enough, or possibly too much (Acts 15:24, 28)? Too much emphasis on expectations (works righteousness) becomes a legalistic perversion of the gospel of grace (Galatians 5:4). And, too little an emphasis on personal challenge tends to degenerate into a license to evade the will of God (see Revelation 2:19, etc.).
Do a personal inventory (1 Corinthians 13:5). Check up on yourself. Are you being challenged enough? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? Are you bearing fruit? Jesus said, “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love†(John 15:8-9). Realize that our response to God is “…faith working through love†(Galatians 5:6).
If, after testing yourself, you decide that you are not being challenged enough—talk to one of our ministers. Let them know that you need to be challenged more toward personal development. Get involved in the service of God. Listen; Learn; Lend; Lead; and Love—for today is your chance.
– Robert M. Housby