Useful to the Master
2 Peter 3:8-9
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
(2 TIMOTHY 2:21)
Experts tell us that the proverbial "snail's pace" is actually about 23 inches per hour. Sometimes I feel that my sanctification is proceeding at about that rate. Often there is so little apparent progress that I'm tempted to give up altogether.
Then I come to my senses and remember that I cannot give up; I don't even have the right to do that! Since I no longer belong to myself but to Christ, only He has the right to tell me to give up and quit. Yet I can't imagine He would ever do that! The Greek word "Master" (v. 21b) has its roots in the word we know as despot, or absolute ruler. But the Master of your heart and mine is not an oppressor or tyrant. He is good.
This aspect of holiness - belonging to God and being set apart for His service - helps me get things in perspective. I want to be useful for my Master; I want to live my life in light of eternity. And I know that He will use me, by His grace, to accomplish His will...even if it seems to me to be taking a very long time to get there.
INSIGHT
"LORD, HELP ME REMEMBER WHOSE I AM AND TO REST IN YOU AND THE ASSURANCE THAT YOU ARE AT WORK IN MY LIFE."
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Kings 22-23
Proverbs 22
3 John
2 Peter 3:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
ALL OTHER GROUND [PART 4]
We live in uncertain times. Such is always the case in a fallen world, but Jesus desires to remove our uncertainty. How does he do that? Click listen and find out!
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