John 17:6 (KJV)
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the
world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy
word.
As believers, each of us has a sphere of influence in which to manifest
the name of the Lord. The question is, have we been as faithful as Christ
was in this responsibility? Does your testimony match the text above,
could you confidently pray this same prayer? If so, there should be evidence
of stability in the lives of those you have influenced. Are your converts
living a life of obedience to the Lord, are they keeping His Word? Those
of us who know the Lord understand that there are various names used for
Him in scripture - Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor,
King of Kings, Bread of Life, Man of Sorrows, etc. Ladies, these names
are examples of the many ways that we ought to be manifesting the Lord
to people!
Psalm 71:17-18 (KJV)
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared
thy wondrous works. [18] Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God,
forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation,
and thy power to every one that is to come.
So often we think about the stewardship of our belongings as Christians,
but what about the stewardship of the people God has trusted us with in
this world? Our heavenly Father expects us to be faithful in caring for
folks and illuminating His nature, declaring what He can be and do for
them in their lives. How sensitive are you to those individuals, have
you been watching over them, or have you been lazy in what God has given
you to do? How are you manifesting the Lord to them, if at all? The more
folks see and learn of God, the more fruit there should be in their lives…
An evidence of true conversion is obedience to the Lord. Be a faithful
witness in every conversation you hold, ladies! God is depending upon
you to share truth with all you come in contact, with each soul He sends
your way. It's not an option believers have been given - our Father will
hold us accountable for every single one of those people! Think about
your very own children, mothers. How well do you look after them, how
secure are they with you? And then consider watching out for others in
the same concerned, protective, nourishing way…
John 17: 7-8 (KJV)
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are
of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and
they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee,
and they have believed that thou didst send me.
The people Jesus was responsible for were taught ALL things He was taught;
there was not one area neglected pertaining to the message and mission
of Christ! Such thorough understanding of the scriptures did not occur
overnight, amen? It takes time to learn the things of God and it takes
time to teach others. Both teacher and student also need a humble, willing
heart if instruction would occur…
John 8:28 (KJV)
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then
shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my
Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
How eager are you to invest time in spiritual matters, dear lady? In other
words, is personal discipleship important to you? How willing are you
to learn more than what you know today - are you still teachable, or do
you think you've arrived? After gaining a thorough and proper spiritual
education, are you willing to put your time and energy into the life of
another person so they can learn of the message and mission of Christ,
or are you going to just buy them a book and say, "Here, read this." Sad
to say, there are many believers who lack security in Christ and who have
never come out from the world for the simple reason that few Christians
are properly educated or even willing to make the sacrifice necessary
to invest time thoroughly discipling anyone. Jesus schooled those He was
responsible for in doctrine and belief. He soberly supervised His sphere
of influence because He understood His Father valued each person within
it. In case you were wondering, the curriculum Jesus used for instruction
was the Word of God, written by the Father Himself! Only the Bible has
the power to untangle us from this world, only the truth can set us free!
Follow Christ's example and give others the Words you have been given
- be a good steward of the truth!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
