Working Examples

               How tempting it can be to feel that we have done enough.  We may think back on all that we have already done and feel satisfied that we have filled our spiritual quota.  Perhaps we feel that the struggle to live as a godly person in this wicked world is all we can be expected to do.  To live as a faithful Christian among people with questionable morals is hard!  Surely God won’t expect us to do more… right?  The answer to that lies within the Scriptures.

               Consider Noah.  In all the world, he was the only godly man (Genesis 6:5, 8).  He led his family to follow God’s ways.  Just imagine being the only Christian family in the world!  Not only that, but Noah spent time and effort preaching to those uncaring, unheeding people (2 Pet. 2:5).  How difficult and disheartening a task that must have been!  How lonely and insurmountable.  But he pressed on.

               But was all that enough for God?  Did the Father decide that Noah had done plenty and deserved a break?  No.  God further expected Noah to build a large conveyance never seen before in the world (Gen. 6:14), as well as organize and tend the many animals sent to him (Gen. 6:19-21).  Not only that, but he needed to do this without leaving the other things undone.  God believed he could accomplish these tasks.

               Living as we should does not give us the right to expect exemption from further duties to God.  Doing right all our lives doesn't entitle us to retirement from spiritual responsibilities.  Though Paul endured persecutions, imprisonments, beatings, and even mishaps in bad weather, it was never enough.  He knew God expected yet more of him, as well as those he taught.  “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12-13)  There is always more to do, more to accomplish for the sake of the gospel.  There are more souls to win, more knowledge to learn or teach, and more lengths to extend ourselves to in order to grow and blossom as a follower of Christ.