By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger)
Week 42
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 1-3
Key Scripture Verse: Deuteronomy 1:12-13 (NIV, Life Application Bible)
“But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
Here Moses has been instructed by God to move camp and to prepare the people to take possession of the Promised Land. He notes how numerous the people have become–he has been carrying the burden of taking care of any disagreements and disputes, judging when necessary, keeping the peace, caring for them all. He realizes a need to delegate some of the responsibilities.
Sometimes it is easy to take on too much or to try to do it all yourself. God wants us to lean on him when we have burdens too heavy to carry. He also wants us to help each other.
Some of us tend to be somewhat independent, and we want to do things ourselves. And that works for a time, but we need to know when we should ask for others to help us.
I believe that we are all called to different purposes and are given different spiritual gifts and talents and that God wants us to use those talents and gifts to his glory.
As members of the body of Christ, we all have a part in the kingdom. Sometimes we need to step aside and let someone else shine and develop. When we allow others to participate in a task, we allow them to become invested in it.
When we allow others to use their talents and gifts to God’s glory and we work together, sharing our own gifts and talents, the task is not only easier with no one person carrying the burden, but also can give a greater glory to God with what we are able to accomplish than if only one person were to do it all.
The book of Romans explains our role with helping each other in the following verses (Romans 12:4-8): “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
May we remember that our purpose is to do his will, not to gain glory for ourselves. May we always remember to do whatever we do in the spirit of love. Let us encourage and support each other. May we share in each other’s burdens.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 