Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRAVEL (07/08/21)
-
TITLE: The Traveling Emissary | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
07/14/21 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Before a wise man travels in order to make temporary or more permanent changes in such things as the location of his residence, place (or means) of worship, business, occupation, finances, social, or recreational activities, he will seek God's will in the matter. Is this move going to enhance or stunt his spiritual growth?
Seeking divine guidance now can avoid a later need to pray for help when one discovers that he, independent of God, has made a wrong turn.
Many Christians will consider God's will and seek His guidance, blessings, and or support in the "big" things in life, but fail to acknowledge that where one goes and what one does every day is what determines the quality of one's post salvation spiritual life.
There are some places and some activities that do line up what we should be and what we should do (or not do) as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians are called to pick up the cross and follow Him. But what many Christians want is to put the Great Commission on the back burner, and for Him to follow them, watching over and fulfilling what THEY have in mind.
The individual path that we are to follow in our daily travels will be made clearer and clearer to the one who advances in the study and the application of the Word of God.
""Your word (The Bible) is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Psalms 119: 105 NASB parentheses mine)."
"In ALL (not some) your ways acknowledge Him, And (then) He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3: 6 NASB parentheses mine)."
It is when we wander from the well lit path that we are at a high risk of a trip and fall.
Change in environment and personal circumstances here on Earth is inevitable. Our only source of genuine stability is with the immutable God, that in character and nature, does not change (Malachi 3: 6/Heb. 13: 8).
How we choose to respond to the ever-changing environment and circumstances is what either keeps the born again believer traveling along the straight and narrow way, or along the road that leads to one form or another of destruction (Matt. 7: 13, 14).
Second only to securing salvation (John 3: 5, 7), the quality of one's post (after) salvation spiritual life is the most important issue that one needs to address during his or her appointed time here on Earth.
The post salvation spiritual life of discipleship is not the means to either obtain or to retain the salvation (eternal life) that a born again believer has already received, but will never-the-less become the primary reason for which an advancing disciple lives and or dies (Phil. 1: 21/Psalms 73: 25).
For an advancing disciple, his or her concern for the quality of one's post salvation spiritual life takes priority (but doesn't eliminate) his or concern for such things as his or her spouse, wealth, health, career, employment, possessions, and personal relationships (Luke 14: 26).
All such things may be lost and certainly will be left behind when one departs this world.
For as long as such persons and things are a part of the individual plan that God has in mind, they will be provided (Phil. 4: 19) and are secure.
However, if the plan that God has in mind calls for the removal of persons, relationships, or things (Job 1: 13 - 19), that too, WILL take place!
Do we not pray for His will (plan) to be done (Matt. 6:10 NASB parentheses mine)?"
As one travels a!ong the road to spiritual maturity here on Earth, an advancing disciple should arrive at the point that he acknowledges that he is a relatively transient emissary passing through, focused on the things above (Col. 3: 2).
But as long as we remain on this planet, as Christ's ambassadors, we have been corporately and individually commissioned (Matt. 28: 19, 20) to evangelize unbelievers and to edify fellow believers in our mission field. Our mission field is wherever we find ourselves 7 - 24.
This is what determines the quality of the spiritual life of the traveling emissary, whether at home, work, school, or play.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.