Docci maintains the property at a radio station where I work. He went to school for only a few years before his father forced him to work with the family’s cows. He eventually ran away to the city, where he found a job with a man who taught him a trade and about faith in Jesus. When Pastor Kevin, a dear friend of the radio station, died, the station manager employed Docci. Although Docci had very little education, the manager knew that the training Docci had received from Kevin made him a great asset.
The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi and reminded them that they were highly valued—assets in the kingdom of God (Philippians 1:1-8). He prayed that their love would overflow and that they would keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. “I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return” (Philippians 1:10). He also prayed that they would be filled with the fruit of salvation—the good character produced by Jesus Christ, which brings honor to God (Philippians 1:11).
Paul reminds us that we should “do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize [us]. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:14-15). We should live like this because “we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior” (Philippians 3:20).
As we wait for that day, God is there to train and sharpen us. May we yield to the Holy Spirit’s refining work in our lives, confidently living as assets that matter in the hands of our heavenly Father.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 16:22-31
More:
Read Romans 14:17 and be reminded of what really matters in the kingdom of God.
Next:
What makes you an asset within your family, among your friends and colleagues, and in your community? How can you submit more fully to the Holy Spirit’s refining work in your life?
Gary Shultz on March 14, 2017 at 6:19 am
Hi Ruth: Nice article, you certainly have the sequence stack properly about being of worth. If we can not be of value within our family or friends, it will be difficult to be of value to associates and community. I must make some exceptions; however, as many people come to faith and are despised by their family and friends. Even though they do not recognize the value of showing them a true change in life. That persons faith will be a burning testimony to the hearts of the family, even if they are despised, a process of witness has taken place. The world will accept the standard issue for use in employment and some may even excel, but no change has occurred. The world needs to see change and people who have been transformed and sometimes that just does not sit or fit well with others, isn’t that great?….. As we move along in faith, God is faithful to “refine” us, as I assume, at least for me, that will be a life time work. Thanks Ruth
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on March 14, 2017 at 9:48 am
Hi Gary. It is incredibly heart-wrenching for those who’ve been ostracized for their faith in Jesus and want nothing more than to express the goodness of God and His abundant grace in their lives. God does change hearts through prayer though and as we humbly serve Him by serving and being a blessing to people (our family, friends, community, co-workers etc.), He will begin to bring transformation – to us and to those we care about.
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on March 14, 2017 at 9:57 am
During last week’s Bible study, we looked at the healing of the paralyzed man in Luke 5:17-26. What struck me most was how the story ended: “Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, ‘We have seen amazing things today!'” v.24-26. If we carry Christ in us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, then we should expect to hear that kind of expression wherever we go. We become an asset and a blessing to people in our world, always to the glory of God. May people around us say, “We have seen amazing things today!”