September 2, 2012 Why Act?

Why Act? Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think you do what you do for the same reasons. Hopefully, your activities are based on God’s grace to respond to what he has given you. Paul defines God’s grace by referring to its purpose—“to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” God has given to you his love and grace for your salvation. And he has given you salvation for the purpose of telling others about God. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if you took home the salary you made at work, put it under a mattress and never used it. Your money would do no one any good. Your family would suffer because you would not use it for food or shelter. Keeping your cash, you would not help others in need. Keeping the Gospel to yourself is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace upon your life if you do not share in your words, your actions and your giving. God’s desire is for people to know his message and to experience his love and peace. He calls on you to responsibly use the gift of eternal life he has given to you to bring him glory and honor. God offers himself to you—will you offer him to others? It’s Ture! God’s gifts expand when you give them.