Applying Your Abilities

July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We became a nation and becoming a nation had its price.  Many men fought for their freedom, including one of my descendents.  Many men died in battle.  But becoming a nation, breaking away from domination had its price.

Thomas Paine, in his paper called “The Crisis” wrote these words:

These are the times that try men souls.  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.  Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.  What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything value.  Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated . . . Triumph of the American Nation, Text Book; Teacher’s Edition

For things that was worth, men and woman must apply there abilities.  Without the application of abilities, nothing will get done.  Remember nothing can stay the same.  Either it’s moving forward or it’ falling back.

God has given us a wonderful passage about fulfilling God’s work with the abilities He has given us.

For each person He has given a:

I.                    Precise Task (1-5)

A.                Filled with Wisdom (Skills)

B.                 Filled with Understanding (Ability to perform the task)

C.                 Filled with Knowledge (Knowing how to perform)

D.                Filled with Craftsmanship (Fulfillment of task)

For each task He has given:

II.                 People to Help (6a)

A.                God Chooses Workers

B.                 God Brings Them Together

When Anwar Sadat of Egypt was assassinated, a temporary burial place was provided beside Egypt's Unknown Soldier. How interesting that Egypt's best-known soldier should be buried beside Egypt's Unknown Soldier! In the kingdom of God there are many unknown soldiers. They march right beside the well-known soldiers. They do their part. What they do is important. Without their work the famous would not be famous. Without them nothing would be accomplished.

For each worker He has them:

III.               Projected for Greatness (6b)

A.                The Heart is the Place of Birth

B.                 From the Heart Comes Fulfillment . . .

1.                  Of Serving

2.                  Of Joy

Application:

Last week we spoke about the gifts of the Spirit.  And during that time I said that each person has a job in the kingdom of heaven.  And I know that there are those who said, I don’t have time to work in the church.  But I want you to re-think those words.  Yes, we have work, we have children with schedules, and we have to take care of things around the house when we get the chance.  Other than providing for our family, which is Biblical, is everything so important that it takes precedence over God and His work for you in His kingdom.

I challenge you, to go home and re-think the priorities in your household.  Maybe your children will have to stop one activity, not all, but just one.  They won’t die if they can’t play soccer or be in 4-H.  They won’t be put in the hospital if your lawn has to wait an extra day to be mowed.  But I want to think about this, Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote, “The behavior of the people of God does not stop the progress of God or the kingdom of God.”  You may be saying to yourself, “Good I don’t have to change anything, because even without me the purposes of God goes on.  BUT WAIT!!!!!!!!  There’s more. “It means that those who could have a part of God’s purposes may be eliminated and they may never know what could have been.”