By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
As well as our intentions may be, we can only serve one being at a time. The Apostle Paul wants us to understand the most gracious and helpful person in our life cannot compare to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and as we a result, we owe our life and salvation to Him. The benefit of devoting our life to Jesus is it benefits us more than it benefits Him. Christ expects us to forgive, show love, compassion, as well as respect for others. We are to share the Gospel when the opportunity presents itself, and we are to grow in our knowledge of the faith.
1 Corinthians 7:23 (ESV): You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
When we allow ourselves to be burdened by the desires of others, they tend to want things that benefit them more than us. They may need financial assistance, help moving, or want to borrow something that belongs to us. None of these requests are issues within themselves; it is only if they require us to choose between God and man. If someone tries to make us choose between attending a Bible Study or helping them move, it is essential we choose the Bible Study. It is not to say we cannot request they change the day or time, but our priority is Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (ESV): For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Our dedication to Christ should be above our relationships with our coworkers, friends or family. If there is a relationship where we are discouraged about sharing our faith, we need to consider ending that relationship. We cannot allow the burden of maintaining a relationship that is contrary to our faith to affect us. When we set expectations, the relationships worth maintaining will encourage and honor our commitment to Christ. If we have friends that only play sports on Sunday morning, we have to be okay with not participating in those activities. If we have coworkers who only hang out in exotic establishments, we have to be okay not associating with them outside of work. We were bought with blood of Jesus Christ, and our debt is to live our life as an example of Him and His glory. Be proud whenever the opportunity presents itself to share our convictions with others. We need to be the shining light in a world of darkness; and we should desire to be obedient until death so we can receive the crown of life.
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