Monday, February 1, 2016

BOLD Christian Outreach Reflections from Psalm 39

Subtitle: What is the value of our work?


Psalm 39:4-7 (GW)
4  “Teach me, O LORD, about the end of my life. Teach me about the number of days I have left so that I may know how temporary my life is.
5  Indeed, you have made the length of my days {only} a few inches. My life span is nothing compared to yours. Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind. Selah
6  Each person who walks around is like a shadow. They are busy for no reason. They accumulate riches without knowing who will get them.”
7  And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? My hope is in you!
(God’s Word, Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, www.godsword.org)


What is the value of our work?
If we spend our days working for material gain to the neglect of our families or other relationships, who will benefit when our life comes to an end?

If we encourage our children to get good grades and push them to focus on their financial future, while we neglect to teach them about Jesus Christ and the faith required for their eternal life; Have we wasted the time we have been given and the opportunities to really make an eternal difference in the lives of those we claim to love?

We keep the peace in our families while we watch those we love walk away from God and the salvation that only Jesus Christ can bring. Is this really love? 

Love tells the truth, even if it hurts, because love means we care for the eternal safety and salvation of those we love. Love isn’t afraid to hurt the feelings of those we love if in the end we save them from eternal destruction.

What is the value of our work?
God has told us that our works will be tried by fire.
If what we have done is built with straw it will be consumed.
On the other hand if what we have done is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ then it will last. 
Relationships forged from steel are formed in fires where the truth is spoken in love and where faith in Christ is put to the test. Peace on earth isn’t nearly as important as forming a relationship with the one who has the power to forgive or destroy sin and the unrepentant.

What is the value of our work?
To point our children, families members, or loved one to the one who saves.
     David knows that this one is the LORD, the Redeemer, the Savior, the Messiah.
We know that this is Jesus Christ, the Sent One, the Son of God.
He lived, died, and rose from the dead. He gives us life worth living.

If we would only spend half as much time pointing our children to Jesus as we do pushing them to achieve better grades in school, our time would be better spent. All of the education and money in the world cannot make up for an eternity spent in Hell.

Yet there is good news, a BOLD Outreach promise from God; 
    OUR HOPE IS IN JESUS!
Jesus will rescue those who call upon Him for help.
    Spend your time wisely. 
    Teach your children about Jesus their Savior.
He will save those who trust in Him.