Matthew 12:30

Scripture: Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Observation: There is not grey area here. Either you are with Jesus, working side by side, or you are against Him and are scattering abroad.

Application: It seems like it is always the little things that cause a person to stray from the work at Jesus' side. Disputes with a co-laborer, disagreements about the way something is or is not being taught, or discontentment in the way others are serving. The devil uses each of these little things to discourage us and cause us to get our eyes away from Jesus and our hands filled with idleness rather than working side by side with the Saviour. The bible is very clear though... if we are not working with Jesus, then we are working against Him. And I certainly don't want to get to heaven and have God ask me why I spent my life hindering His work. It's time to lay aside anything that comes between us and the job that God has given. If we are in a church that believes what the bible says to be true, and preaches the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and salvation through faith in that gospel, then it is time to lay aside the strife and the conflict and join forces. It is time to step up into the place where Christ has asked us to serve, and to work side by side with Jesus Christ. It is time to gather in the souls... not scatter them abroad.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the simplicity that is in Christ. Thank You for the simplicity in salvation and in service. Please Lord, help me not to hinder Your work. Help me to keep my eyes on You and not the little divisions that seem so consuming. Help me Lord, to lead others to you by example, attitude and action. Help my life to point others to Your life, death resurrection. And Lord, thank You for allowing me the privilege to serve You. Help me to never take it for granted. In Jesus name, Amen.