I heard a preacher say that he had nothing better to do then to teach the word of God to God's people. Walking in what God has called him to do is the most exciting thing that he can imagine. It is not a chore to study and prepare to preach. It is not just a job but rather his favorite thing to do.
We truly have nothing better to do then follow the example of Jesus Christ. As we look at the components of His life here on the earth we truly find that there is nothing better to do.
Jesus prayed. He is often seen getting
away to a quiet place to talk with His Father. “And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and
went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35
AMP) He is also seen praying in the midst of the people in a moment
of need. “So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes
and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. Yes, I know You always
hear and listen to Me, but I
have said this on account of and
for the benefit of the people standing around, so that they may believe that
You did send Me [that You have made Me Your Messenger].” (John 11:41-42 AMP) He prayed both for what He was facing and for
others. (See John 17:1-26) Prayer was His regular habit.
Jesus
performed acts of service. The apostle Peter, who walked beside Jesus for three
years, recounted this to the crowds. “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth
with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and
ability and power; how He went
about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the
devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP) This is an example
that we follow only by intentionally looking for opportunities to do good.
Although this may seem as though this is all about others, Jesus promises us
great benefit for those who serve others. “He who is greatest among you shall
be your servant. Whoever exalts himself [with haughtiness and empty pride]
shall be humbled (brought low), and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a
modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be raised to honor.” (Matthew 23:11-12 AMP)
Jesus did whatever it took to truly love. Jesus
laid down His life. He joyfully suffered a horrible death to take our place and
pay the penalty for our sins. “Looking
away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving
the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to
maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set
before Him, endured the cross, despising and
ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
(Hebrews 12:2 AMP) Are we willing to love others enough that we will
sacrifice some comforts to bring them before God, “No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to
lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.” (John 15:13 AMP) We do this by not
only asking for God’s mercy and grace but extending mercy and grace to others?
This is displayed through continual acts, some big some small, day by day.Truly there is nothing better we can do. It truly is more blessed that to receive. This looks different for each one of us, because God has both gifted and called us to different groups of people with different methods and styles. Ultimately what we have nothing better to do is to share the love of Jesus with all around us. We encourage our brothers and sisters in the work of the Kingdom. And we offer hope to those who are far from God and need to hear that they are loved unconditionally. Both are accomplished through prayer, service and looking to others even when it means letting go of some of our desires.
So ask yourself today, is there anything better for me to do?
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