We seem to think that those believers in the limelight, or who have made names for themselves as celebrities, are the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus made it clear that it is a matter of our humility (cf. Matt. 18:3) that determines greatness. God isn't interested in our achievements, but in our obedience. He wants you, not your accomplishments! Christianity is about God's work, not ours. Just because God has entrusted one with many talents, doesn't guarantee them a higher status in the kingdom either--they just have more to be accountable and responsible for. What Jesus said was that he who is faithful in little shall be faithful in much. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (now canonized) said that God doesn't call us to success, but to faithfulness [which cannot be divorced from faith].
What seems to be a high profile believer is just one who has a lot of responsibility to God and will be rewarded accordingly. Not many mighty nor noble are called into God's service (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26), and God does reserve the right to use anyone for His purposes, as the Potter has power over the clay. (cf. Isaiah 64:8). We shouldn't be discouraged because we are unknowns, but rejoice that God has put us into the ministry--we are all ministers of reconciliation according to 2 Cor. 5:18-19.
There is no room for a Christian "elite" or superstar status making a class of believer worthy of special treatment: When the king of England went to communion, commoners were ahead of him in line and they insisted that the king go first; he said that in this line we are all equal! Yes, we are all one in Christ and all servants of the Lord who literally owns us as a master owns a slave.
We are all vessels of honor and unbelievers are the vessels of dishonor. God has called us to bring glory to Himself: Isaiah 43:7 says that God created us for His glory. The Westminster divines said: The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Beware that when God uses us to think that it is to our credit; it is humbling to know that God is using us to bring glory to Himself. All our righteousness is as filthy rags (cf. Isaiah 64:6), and God rewards us for what He accomplishes through us. Isaiah 26:12 says it most plainly: "... You have done for us all our works." In other words, all that we have done, God has accomplished through us (cf. Hosea 14:8, NKJV says, "... Your fruit is found in Me."). Paul also declares in Romans 15:18 (NIV): "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me...."
All Christians are royalty and members of the household of God and children of God, whereas we shall all reign with Him as sons of God and joint-heirs of Christ. Nobody is a persona non grata in God's kingdom. We are all referred to as "saints," despite the fact that we still sin (cf. Gal. 2:17: "... We too were found to be sinners..."). We are all members one of another and cannot say we have no need of other parts of the same body--hence, we are one (cf. Gal. 3:28) in Christ! Soli Deo Gloria!
What seems to be a high profile believer is just one who has a lot of responsibility to God and will be rewarded accordingly. Not many mighty nor noble are called into God's service (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26), and God does reserve the right to use anyone for His purposes, as the Potter has power over the clay. (cf. Isaiah 64:8). We shouldn't be discouraged because we are unknowns, but rejoice that God has put us into the ministry--we are all ministers of reconciliation according to 2 Cor. 5:18-19.
There is no room for a Christian "elite" or superstar status making a class of believer worthy of special treatment: When the king of England went to communion, commoners were ahead of him in line and they insisted that the king go first; he said that in this line we are all equal! Yes, we are all one in Christ and all servants of the Lord who literally owns us as a master owns a slave.
We are all vessels of honor and unbelievers are the vessels of dishonor. God has called us to bring glory to Himself: Isaiah 43:7 says that God created us for His glory. The Westminster divines said: The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Beware that when God uses us to think that it is to our credit; it is humbling to know that God is using us to bring glory to Himself. All our righteousness is as filthy rags (cf. Isaiah 64:6), and God rewards us for what He accomplishes through us. Isaiah 26:12 says it most plainly: "... You have done for us all our works." In other words, all that we have done, God has accomplished through us (cf. Hosea 14:8, NKJV says, "... Your fruit is found in Me."). Paul also declares in Romans 15:18 (NIV): "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me...."
All Christians are royalty and members of the household of God and children of God, whereas we shall all reign with Him as sons of God and joint-heirs of Christ. Nobody is a persona non grata in God's kingdom. We are all referred to as "saints," despite the fact that we still sin (cf. Gal. 2:17: "... We too were found to be sinners..."). We are all members one of another and cannot say we have no need of other parts of the same body--hence, we are one (cf. Gal. 3:28) in Christ! Soli Deo Gloria!
YOU RIGHT AMIGO
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