Some Christians are just not motivated to do anything significant for God. They are capable, gifted, and well-informed but are content with their current situation in life.
How can a spirit-filled Christian be satisfied with anything less than living a life of significance for God? Some Christians may have had an upbringing where they were not encouraged to achieve higher things and, as a result, have settled for less. But others don’t have such an excuse. They choose not to take advantage of opportunities to learn, change, and better their lives. Consequently, they never experience more because they have settled far beneath what God has planned for them. Whether raised as an underachiever or one who chooses to settle for less, God calls you for more.
It doesn’t matter how much education, training, or encouragement you give to people. Without an inner drive and determination to improve their lives, any attempt to help them is wasted.
God calls us to surpass our perceived limitations. Too often, we make excuses for our complacent and indifferent attitudes, which determine our lives. As a result, the world frequently sees the body of Christ as a lackluster group of believers who aren’t motivated by what they claim to believe.
Perhaps Paul's involvement with underachievers in the church is one of the reasons he wrote to the believers in Rome, instructing them to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11 KJV).
The Greek word for “slothful” in Romans 12:11 is “okneros,” which means lazy. It describes someone who is lethargic, apathetic, and indifferent toward life. This same Greek word is in Matthew 25:26, where Jesus tells the parable of the “slothful” and “wicked” servant who produced nothing significant with the resources entrusted to him. Both "slothful" and "wicked" express an indifferent attitude that has no place in our Christian walk.
Paul continues, saying we should not be slothful "in business." "Spoudadzo" is the Greek word for business, which means to do something eagerly and diligently. It describes a person who acts responsibly, quickly, and conscientiously. Instead of being lethargic, a diligent person is energetic. He has an outstanding attitude and does a good job. He puts his whole heart into whatever he does for the Lord and treats it with the utmost importance.
Paul also says that we should be "fervent in spirit." The word "fervent" is the Greek word “zeo,” which means to boil with heat. This word gives the image of someone so passionate about his calling that his zeal constantly boils within him. The word "spirit" in this context refers to our attitude. This phrase could read, "Be constantly fervent in your attitude."
Then Paul further says we are to be "fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Paul is saying that the right attitude is one of the most effective ways to serve the Lord. When a believer has an excellent attitude and dedicates himself to his work, he leaves a good image of Jesus as a witness. But when a believer does his work poorly and has a bad attitude, he leaves a poor picture of Him.
Paul uses the Greek word “douleuo” when he writes about "serving" the Lord. This word comes from the Greek word “doulos” and describes a sold-out servant committed to serving and pleasing his master. He is willing to do his best to discover his master's desires and then unequivocally do whatever is required to achieve those desires.
Whatever the Lord asks you to do, do it with excellence and dedication. Be consistent, committed, fervent, loyal, and enthusiastic. When a Christian consistently demonstrates these qualities, the Lord is pleased with His investment in that servant. He knows His return will be excellent.
Always remember that excellence in your work does not earn you special favor with God. Jesus has already recognized you as special by dying for you. Salvation is a free gift, and nothing you do can buy you a unique standing with God. However, how you serve Him and your life’s witness is very important to Jesus.
As our pastor, Bill Snow, taught yesterday, “The greater the change or challenge, the greater the calling.” God has entrusted your life with His highest calling. How is He challenging you? Are you taking advantage of the opportunities He offers you? What needs to change in your life? What attitude, belief, or perception might keep you from pursuing God’s calling? When people look at you, does your life give them a positive impression of what a Christian is like, or does it leave them with a bad impression of one? Look honestly at your life, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you.
God doesn’t call you to be an underachiever. He calls you, His special chosen child, to excellence and for you to accomplish what He has put within you. Abandon any negative attitude that has determined your life. Don’t allow any laziness or apathy to dominate you. Choose to have an enthusiastic attitude about anything Jesus asks you to do. Ask the Lord to reveal any changes you must make to move to a higher excellence in Him. Then, reach beyond your perceived limitations and allow the Holy Spirit to empower those hard changes.
God created you for His higher purpose and your better good.
—Sunday Adelaja
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