But You're Already so Good!
DEVOTIONS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
It’s an odd phenomenon. When you achieve a certain level of success in any area, people will begin to say you no longer need to work as hard. Have you ever experienced this? A few examples:
You’re focusing on staying fit. You order a healthy option from the menu and your friends say, “What? You’re in great shape. You don’t need to diet!”
You’re a musician. You tell someone you need to stay home to practice and they say, “Why? You play your instrument so beautifully already!”
You love gardening. You mention that you spent the whole day working on the yard, and they say, “Really? Your yard already looks amazing!”
These well-meaning onlookers fail to see the irony in their statements. The reason for your success is the very thing they’re suggesting you no longer need: to stay active and dedicated in your pursuits.
This idea is also relevant in the spiritual realm. Taking a relaxed attitude that we’re no longer obligated to work hard in our spiritual lives is a dangerous mindset. Why? Because spiritual battles never stop. The apostle Paul reminded us to be extra careful when we think we’ve got it all together (1 Corinthians 10:12). He also told us to be strong and continually work enthusiastically for the Lord (1 Cor 15:58)!
A great example to follow in this area comes from the book of Nehemiah. You probably remember Nehemiah for his leadership in reconstructing the wall around Jerusalem. The whole first half of his book is about the physical rebuilding of the wall. However, Nehemiah was more than just a good foreman. The second half of the book is about the spiritual rebuilding of the people.
An amazing spiritual revival began as the Israelites were immersed in the excitement of the construction project. But Nehemiah knew this spiritual mountaintop would be short-lived if there wasn't continued emphasis on activity for God.
In Nehemiah 7:1, we see three distinct areas of activity that he introduced: gatekeepers, singers, and Levites. While this may seem like a random Old Testament commissioning that doesn’t apply to modern times, each of these groups suggests an area of spiritual involvement that’s just as important today as it was back then.
Watching
Nehemiah’s appointment of gatekeepers emphasizes the activity of watching for our weaknesses. The job of the gatekeepers was obvious: they guarded the gates. Ancient walled cities were generally most vulnerable to attack or infiltration around the entrances, so protecting the gates was crucial.
This responsibility has a spiritual counterpart in the Christian life. Every Christian has "gates," or weaknesses. We need to actively monitor the areas in our lives where we know we’re most vulnerable. We should continually defend against desensitization, and blockade the “sins that so easily trip us up” (Hebrews 12:1). We’re all aware of instances where power, success, money, sex and other unchecked desires have infiltrated the gates and broken down strong walls of Christian testimony.
Nehemiah wisely commanded that the gates at Jerusalem should only be opened during broad daylight (7:3). At all other times they were to be bolted shut. This is a good practice in our spiritual lives as well. Our “gates” should be operated only under proper, well-monitored conditions. In the realm of entertainment, for example… TV, movies, the internet… these are areas where most Christians probably need to “close the gate” more often than we do! All believers have different gates and vulnerabilities, so sensitivity is essential in our relationships and activities with others.
Worshiping
Nehemiah’s appointment of singers emphasizes the activity of worship. This wasn’t a new or novel idea. It was a pattern that the Lord gave King David for the Temple and its functions (1 Chronicles 25 and 28). Singing praise to God would naturally resonate in the hearts of the people and fill them with joy. It kept the Lord in the forefront of their minds and on their lips.
Believers today need to stay active and dedicated in this area — even if we’ve been Christians for many years (and maybe especially if we’ve been Christians for many years!). It’s so easy these days to become critical of song choices, changing musical styles, lighting, etc… all while missing the whole essence of worship. Remember, worshiping the Lord in song is a characteristic of being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-19)!
Working
Nehemiah’s appointment of the Levites emphasizes the activity of working or service. The Levites assisted the priests and did most of the heavy lifting in maintaining operations at the Temple. For believers today, this teaches us that staying active and involved in Christian service is vitally important. Too often the ones who complain about their local church are the ones who aren’t doing much to help!
Serving the Lord doesn't require giving up hours every week doing things we don’t enjoy. There are plenty of jobs and activities that can fit our schedules, lifestyles, and interests. Perhaps you could even take the lead on starting a new outreach at your church!
Not only is our service valuable for others and to God, but it naturally helps us guard our own gates. Staying busy in Christian service is a great way to become less involved with time-consuming worldly diversions.
So the next time you see someone who excels at any particular pursuit, remember that they’ve reached that level by staying actively involved and working hard. Let it be a reminder that spiritual revival stops when spiritual activity stops. Let's keep active in watching the gate in our weak areas, worshiping our Lord, and working for Him and His people with gladness.
- Ron Reid