Every Christian’s life is a God-ordained part of a mosaic that fits into God’s plans. No Christian will be in another Christian’s place and what they all do for Him will fit together in God’s plans.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
This devotional entitled “Be Open With God” was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free daily email articles at Walk With The King Today and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages. Used with written permission.
2 Corinthians 4:2 [We] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty.
Read also 2 Corinthians 4:1-18.
Has it ever occurred to you that every Christian has a ministry? You do have one, you know, whether you’re using it or not. You have an effect on everyone you meet, for good or ill. Either you move people close to Jesus or further away from Him. Besides a ministry, you’ve also received God’s mercy. He’s in the process of seeing you through so that you don’t collapse on the job. Indeed, God does not give you work to do without also the strength to do it.
What makes for success in the ministry? Paul claims the key is renouncing all dishonesty. If you want your ministry to be effective, pinpoint that which you have been keeping hidden from the gaze not only of other people, but also from your own conscious mind and — hopefully, you thought — from God. God won’t make any discoveries about you in the next fifteen minutes. He already knows all about you — past, present, and future. So tell Him the truth. Leave it right there with Him at Calvary and it’s no longer hidden; it’s covered — by the blood. Oh, what a difference!
Finally, what happens when you try to minister your own way? My good friend Lloyd Cory talks about a person living according to Finagle’s Law, which translated means, ‘he who finagles often gets finagled in return.’ You don’t have to be crafty to try to work things out your own way. God’s way, in God’s power, is an unstoppable combination!
Small thought here. Don’t try to get your way by guile or smartness or by some power play that leaves your opponents in the dust. Just be what you are by the grace of God. Give out His Word just as it is written; don’t handle it deceitfully. Manifest the truth. Do it and see what God will do through you. What makes your ministry successful? Being open with God!
