It has been said, “Every sinner has a past, and every saint has a future!” I am no exception. But part of my past is that I was “chosen in Him before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4). “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised has God chosen, yes, and things which are not (are of no reputation) to bring to nought things that are (highly regarded among men)” (See I Corinthians 1:27-28).
We are under apostolic command to forget the things of our past – the people we were and the lives we led while a part of this present evil world. (See Philippians 3:13). “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old (former self) has passed away; behold the new has come” (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect. It is God who justifies” (See Romans 8:33). God Himself says, “I will remember their sins no more!” How dare a mere human do so???
It seems every congregation has within its ranks a spiritual grave robber – someone who wishes to dredge up the past of a redeemed son or daughter of the Most High. In doing so, such set themselves against the will of God and become agents of the Adversary. And God judges all such. “Vengeance is mine. I will repay,” says the Lord.
A brother in Christ recently said, “I am a teacher. It is in my blood.” I, too, am a teacher, and, as with Jeremiah the prophet, “there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot!” (See Jeremiah 20:9).
God Himself has composed the body of Christ and has appointed each member their particular function in that body. (See I Corinthians 12:24-28). But God has decreed that one can only discern their particular niche or function in the body of Christ by presenting themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God, transformed by the renewing of their mind thereby discerning what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God for their lives. (See Romans 12:1-2). Many fail to do that and attempt to perform a function, or office, never intended for them to fulfill. It is like trying to use your foot to do the work the hand was created to do.
I limit myself to no single congregation or denomination of God’s people. I have been used by Him for decades among many differing congregations. I suspect before my life course has ended I shall be used by Him among several other congregations. I welcome the opportunity to so serve Him and the body of Christ again and again.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley