Approved by God
By Dave Gable
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"On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted
with the
gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts"
(1
Thessalonians 2:4, NIV).
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Down at the core of our being we must know that we have God's approval.
When we know we are okay with God, and that the okay is current because
we
checked in with Him this morning, our lives, words and ministry
are at their
best. We have peace, poise, and purpose. Our voice tone is neither
shrill
nor uncertain. We don't have to exaggerate or apologize. Our hearts
have
already been tested.
The world says COMPETENCE is what matters; CHARACTER is secondary
or
irrelevant. The Christian turns this upside-down (or right-side
up?). The
Christian insists that God-approved CHARACTER is first, or, no matter
how
much COMPETENCE or CHARISMA is present, sooner or later CATASTROPHY
will
result.
The relationship that produces the stamp, "approved by God," is the
foundation for successful long-term ministry.
ACTION STEP: You are taking it right now, by sitting before Him,
getting
that fresh awareness of a clear account with God. Now report for
duty, and
get at it!
hbdevotion@news.ag.org