Recently I became aware of error in our teachings and
therefore our thinking that I want to share with you so that you too may be
enlightened. We've been told that God wants a personal relationship with us and
therefore we personalize and individualize the Words of God. However, as I have
continued to grow in my knowledge and understanding of God, I have come to
realize that it's not personal. God has revealed that His thoughts and ways
toward all of us are the same. He loves us and gave His life for us -- in fact
for the whole world. And He does not change! He is constant and there is no
shadow of variance or changing in Him.
Each of us has the same opportunity to know Him and serve Him
according to His Word. Each of us has been purchased with the same blood and
are being washed by the same Word and sealed by the same Spirit. Perhaps our
confusion and error may be from our misunderstanding, misinterpretation and
wrong teachings concerning His gifts and callings as well as a desire within
ourselves to be distinguished and/or set apart.
The gifts and callings of God are without
repentance. God has
chosen who He wills as He wills and sets us all within His body as He
determined. Does not His Word say, "can the eye
say unto the hand I have no need of thee, nor the head to the feet, I have no
need of thee?" However my beloved, we fail to understand these
gifts and callings are about function not preference. It's not
personal regarding you or me, it's about God and His foreknowledge and
determination of the varying roles or functions in His body. Each part is
needed however the function of each part is different. Yet, what is the same is
God's expectation of obedience from all of us toward Him. Did not our brother
Paul say, "For if I preach the gospel, I have
nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not
preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against
my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship." Paul understood
this calling was about his function in the body of Christ and not of his own
will but of God. Yet, his calling/function in the body does not in any way
indicate that God's thoughts toward Paul were special or Paul was privileged
nor that God's blessings were greater toward him than toward you and me.
We will reap what we sow! Each of us will receive the rewards
for our obedience or disobedience exactly as He has said. This law of God is
equal in regard to every command and statue of God and as it pertains to the
gifts and callings that He has given. Even in this it's not personal, meaning
it's not about me and you, it's about that which God has determined.
Now regarding wanting to be distinguished and/or set apart.
We are indeed set apart in our hearts as we live our lives in obedience and
holiness unto the Lord. Our separateness is from the world not in distinction
or preference in the body of Christ. For we are one in Christ.
God revealed His truth to Peter as stated in His Word,
"In truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons (another
translation says, God shows no partiality). In every nation whoever fears
(reveres) God and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
Remember always my beloved in the Lord, our God does not
change. If we draw near to Him He will draw near to us. "If anyone thirst let him come to me and drink", says our
Lord Jesus.
It's not personal!!!
