Christians are commissioned by God to share the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone around them. The Holy Spirit does the rest. It is not the responsibility of Christians to save wondering souls. This is not in their job description. The magnificent love of Almighty God draws hungry souls to Jesus Christ through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.
Some people find it intimidating and extremely difficult to share their faith with others, because of their timid nature, yet they serve God with all their heart; doing their part in other areas less conspicuous. It is easy for them to become envious of other Christians that possess outgoing personalities. At times this can cause introverted people to question their abilities and make them feel less of a Christian than those in the limelight.
Personalities differ. We are not all the same. God made us the person we are and He is pleased with His work. With the help of the Holy Spirit, confidence will come as we seek God. Boldness comes by doing. The more we trust and obey God the more comfortable we become. He helps us step out of our comfort zone into the wonderment of giving.
Taking a backseat to Christians that find witnessing easy is unnecessary and preventable. When this happens, it’s like saying that God is unable to use the abilities and talents they do have. Satan would have all Believers think that they fall short of God’s standard for excellence. This is untrue and avoidable if we allow God to work His perfection in us. One person’s gift may not be another person’s specialty. All Christians are in the Body of Christ and each have a function to do.
In the human body, the eye does not say, “I wish I were the foot.” And the foot does not say, “I wish I were the eye.” Every member has a function it was designed for. They don’t fight or envy each other. Likewise, the Body of Christ is made up of many members having different jobs. As long as each member works together doing their part, the Body of Christ remains strong and healthy.
Backseat living need not be a part of a born again Believer. God uses each one in the manner for which He planned. We are who we are. God made us this way. God uses Christians that are willing to be used and are sensitive to what the Spirit is saying to them. Backseat living is not the place for success to prosper.
There are other ‘Backseat Christians’ that are different than those that are timid. These Christians think more highly of themselves than they ought. They are puffed up in their knowledge of the Bible; becoming arrogant and self-indulgent; thinking their way is the only, right way to serve God. They are so narrow minded that a pencil could hide their face; figuratively speaking.
We know the common bond that backseat drivers have with each other. They are quick to express how to drive a vehicle; when to apply the brakes; when to merge into oncoming traffic; while giving directions to a specific destination.
‘Backseat Christians’ live life much the same way as backseat drivers. They involve themselves in the lives of others at nausea. They are focused so intently on helping; they fail to see the failures and shortcomings in themselves. They exist on the highs and lows of other people’s problems and always give their two cents worth of counseling whether it is wanted or not.
I am persuaded that God is able to keep what we commit to Him. When we need counseling or spiritual advice, He sends someone our way with Godly counsel. God is faithful in His commitment to lead us into all truth.
We must be careful to whom we listen. Some approach our ring of fire in the name of the Lord, but the words they possess lack spiritual maturity. They speak in their own identity and luster. We can examine their spirit to see if they are in the flesh or being led of the Spirit.
A Christian’s discernment is vital as to whether or not the counsel they are receiving is from God. You may be listening to one of those backseat Christians I’ve been talking about. Be careful. If any part of their counsel is contrary to the Bible, that person is not from God. Listen to what the Spirit is telling you concerning this person.
It’s wonderful how God uses other Christians to encourage, strengthen and give advice, but we must recognize their fruit and from whence the words originate. We don’t want another Backseat Christian giving their two cents worth of rhetoric. For this reason we must hide God’s Word in our heart to prevent backseat living from becoming a reality in us.
(2 Timothy 2:15 ), “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Papa Boyd
No comments:
Post a Comment