Volume 4 17 November 2002 Issue 38
Why Am I Not Properly Motivated?
by Lee Moses
Part II
Last week, an examination was begun of some factors a Christian might consider if he finds himself without the proper motivation to serve God as he knows he should. It was seen that one must have proper faith, as well as a proper understanding of the nature of God.
One must also understand what God will or will not do for him. Some believe that once they become Christians, all the problems in their lives will be immediately solved. Upon their realization that they still have many problems, they oftentimes conclude that God is at fault. However, God never promised that a Christian would have no problems in life. The Christian will still struggle with sin and a multitude of trials (I John 1:8; II Timothy 3:12). Nonetheless, God provides an abundance of help through His word we are able to avoid sin and to have perfect direction for our lives (Psalm 119:11; II Peter ! 1 :3). One must also have a proper understanding of himself. Some Christians set for themselves unrealistic expectations, such as living sinlessly perfect lives. While every Christian purposes in his mind to give up sin, making every effort to avoid sin, he should not be overly hard upon himself for sin, after he has confessed to God and received forgiveness. Such an occasion is a time of joy, not sorrow. It is also acceptable to have doubts at times. Job and the various writers of the Psalms spoke of doubts they had about I God, and later had those doubts answered. If one has a proper understanding of God, however, such doubts will not last terribly long.
Proper Love ,
The proper love is essential to proper motivation. One must be possessed with a great love for the Lord, and "We love him, because he first loved us" (I John 4: 19). How could one not love such a great Being, Who provided for mankind the amazing means of salvation unto eternal life, although man rightfully deserved eternal damnation? (Romans 6:23). If one loves God, he will also love all Christians, with a great desire to serve them as well as God (I John 4:20; II Corinthians 5:13-15; I Peter 1:22). If one loves God, he will love what God loves-the souls of men (I Timothy 2:4). He will labor to see souls saved from their lost state of sin. One will not be properly motivated if one's labor is not truly a "labour of love" (I Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6: 10).
Proper Emphasis,
The Christian should regularly examine himself, asking, 'What is taking prior- ity in my life?" God should always cpme first, with no close second. If one is to truly serve God, he cannot be serving anything or anyone else that would detract from that service (Luke 16:13). So many allow themselves to be robbed of spirituality by spending hours watching television and signifi- cantly less poring over the word of God. Many have made material things their god over the Lord. Many believe it is acceptable to spend the occasional Lord's Day morning or evening out on the lake instead of worshiping God. There are more noble activities in which one may be
involved than these previously mentioned; however, if God is not holding the preeminence in one's life, that individual will never be properly motivated.
Proper Actions,
It is generally understood that attitude affects action (Prov. 4:23). But action also affects attitude. David spoke of the wicked man who had a gross misconception of God because of that man's own wicked deeds: "He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it" (Psalm 10: 11). Jesus said, "Every one that doeth evil hateth the light" (John 3:20). Those who act wickedly will avoid the truth and make themselves believe lies, hardening their consciences in the process. Doing that which God commands will also affect one's attitude: "Now the end of the commandment is charity ['love,' American Standard Version] out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (I Timothy 1:5). When one is doing God's will, he will be blessed with a healthy attitude--many of the attributes previously mentioned as necessary to a proper motivation. One should resolve to begin a pattern of work for the Lord, doing as much of which he is capable. It will amaze some how much more fulfilled they will feel if they are busily engaged in the Lord's work. It will take motivation in other areas to begin to work, but that will lead to an increase in motivation. When one is not accomplishing what he is capable of doing, this can cause him to become greatly discouraged; thereby robbing him of even more motivation.
God has provided mankind with all the motivation needed to serve Him, and so much more. A Christian need only to lay hold of that motivation given In the precious assurances of His word. By applying himself to God's word, he will be able to obtain the proper faith, understanding, love, emphasis, and actions needed in order to be properly motivated.
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Tom's Pen
This year's Denton Lectures on the book of Mark were of the same quality as the previous 20 Annual Denton Lectures. I brought back 24 books, more than half of which have been taken or reserved. So if you want a copy, please let me know quickly. The cost is $15 (which includes a 75 cent donation to the church library).
The holiday season will soon be upon us, and with the holidays come traveling, visiting, and a slow down in our regular routine (maybe I should say a change of routine rather than a slow down). And as this year draws to a close and we begin looking toward next year, there are some things that we want to begin now to promote for the new year's activities. One of the top priorities that I have on my list is to conduct a personal work training class for those who wish to learn how to use the Open Bible Study series. As we knock doors this coming year we fully expect study opportunities to increase, calling for more teachers. For this reason it is imperative that we set aside some time to prepare for that demand in teachers. The ideal time for this class will be Sunday afternoon, but we will remain flexible. We plan to promote this in the bulletin over the next few weeks, and ask for those interested to make a commitment in attendance AND in use of what they learn. I will let you know the dates and time of the class as soon as that decision is made. Thanks for your interest in advance.
Otis Duncan, son of Jimmy and Barbara Duncan, is the co-editor of a new quarterly, "Journal of Biblical Interpretation and Application." A num- ber of you received the first issue at no charge. When I was handed a copy and asked to review it I was impressed with the depth, but at the same time with the ease of reading. I commend it to you for your consideration and study. For more details see Jimmy Duncan.
The Gospel Journal subscriptions are due if you are a part of our club. You can save $2 off the rate if you renew through the club. If you do not take the Gospel Journal, let me encourage you to give it a try for a year. For $14 you get twelve issues with more than 30 pages of good study material each month. You may want give a gift subscription for a Christmas gift this year. We need to mail the list in around mid December.
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Sermons For Today
AM: "How To Restore New Testament Christianity" - Lee Moses
PM: "The Christian Soldier" - Tom Wacaster
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Family News and Notes
Don't forget the Fellowship Luncheon today following the morning services. Everyone is invited.
JUST FOR YOU...
Copies of the Minutes from the Men's Business Meeting and the Financial Statement for the month ending October 31, 2002 are available on the table in the foyer, If you are interested you may take a copy.
Ladies... .if you have dishes in the kitchen you need to pick those up today, if possible.
Mark your calendar...the mid week services for Thanksgiving week and Christmas week have been changed:
Thanksgiving week -moved to Tuesday Nov. 26th.
Christmas week -moved to Thursday Dec, 26th.
Please note--Our Library has moved to the first room on the right just past the Secretary's Office in the north hallway. This is the room the teens meet in.
Our congregation now has a Website on the internet.-- For those of you who have computers... you are invited to visit the site. It remains in the development stage and additional pages will be added periodically. Visit the site at this address:
http://northjeffersoncofc.homestead.com/HomePage.html (this is also shown on the front of this bulletin under the picture)
We also now have a church Email address: njcofc@bluebonnet.net
BIBLE BOWL.. at Clarksville, Texas...December 3rd. Will pertain to Ephesians 4 thru 6. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.
Dorine Mullins (mother of Ken Mullins) passed away Thursday (November 14th) in San Angelo, Texas. Her funeral was conducted Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with burial in San Angelo.
Alice O'Neal (mother of George O'Neal) is in Baylor Hospital, Dallas, Room 731 of the Roberts Building. She is being treated for intestinal problems
Glenn Parham got a good report from the tests he 'I had done last week.
Gene Riley came thru his surgery OK. He was at services last Sunday morning.
Elna O'Neal is awaiting a date for surgery in the near future
Jerry Freeman will be having further surgery on his ankle.
Perry Cooper has been experiencing difficulties and has not been able to get out and about. He is at home.
Todd Rains (son-in-law of Pat Dillard) remains in the hospital in Texarkana recovering from a motorcycle accident a little over a week ago.
THANK YOU .--"Thank you all for your cards, phone calls, and prayers regarding the loss of my uncle, Bill Smith.
-Veleta McFerrin"
PRAYER LIST:
' Delores Adams, Johnny Barrett, Perry Cooper, Sandra Cooper, Patsy Duncan, William Embree, Jerry Freeman, Bonnie Horton, Howard Horton, Corine Hudson, Ruby Lawhon, Wade Miller, Wanda Miller, Elna O'Neal, Glenn Parham, Murphy Ross,
ALSO: Evelyn Harrison, Alice O'Neal, Todd Rains
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Service Arrangements
ANNOUNCEMENTS: -Gene Campbell
SONG LEADER:- - Bill Jones
PRAYERS ------------Sunday
a. m. First Prayer-- Bob Hedges
a. m. Closing --Vernon Garrett
p. m. First Prayer-- Grady Duncan
p. m. Closing --Rhodney Freeman
PRAYERS------- Wednesday
First Prayer- Charles Kyle
Closing- Fred Harkrider, Jr.
COMMUNION:
a. m.- Wayne Pickrel Jim Duncan
George O'Neal Charles Kyle
William Embree Glenn Parham
p.m.- Frankie Sargent -Vernon Garrett
ATTENDANCE COUNTER:- Grady Duncan
TRANSPORTATION will be provided to those who need it.
Please call, Frankie Sargent at 572-2647
