Quality 1/19/2018

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."  Colossians 3:17

Whether it is an extra measure of attentiveness when we are being served, an extra measure of thoroughness when we are having work performed or complete information given when we make inquiries, we all appreciate a job well done.  Likewise, it speaks well of us when we put our very best into all we do.

What prompts people to put there best foot forward and do all they can to accomplish the very most possible at any given opportunity?  To be sure, it depends on the person, the circumstance, the motivation, the importance and the ramifications.  Have you met, however, a person that can be counted upon to do their best at all times, regardless of the variables?  There is such an individual in our congregation by the name of Hien Nguyen.  He is a carpenter by trade, however, his experience in the construction industry has given him the ability to build or repair most anything in and around the home.  Many of the members have had work done by him and, due to the quality of his demeanor and his work, he stays very busy.

Beloved, as Christians, we must strive for quality in all that we think, say and do.  Contextually, we are advised to clothe ourselves with Godly qualities, bear with and forgive one another, love others, pursue peace, allow the message of Christ to fill us and pass it along to others.  It is added in 1 Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised."  Finally, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men," Colossians 3:23.

Let us consider what the quality of our thoughts, words, service and work would be like if we were performing them specifically for the Lord.  Though others may be the direct recipients, we are serving the Lord and bringing attention to our Heavenly Father.  Strive to be the best husband, wife, son, daughter, employee and Christian that you can be.  And do your very best in everything, for we are called upon by our Lord to be people of quality who serve a God of quality.

Building God's family,

Lee

Nothing But the Best-DD 1/20/2011

"It was necessary therefore that the copies of things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us." Heb 9:23,24



The Hebrew writer penned his letter primarily to make the case for the supremacy of Christ over all who had come before. There were people who were leaving the Christian faith to return to what they felt they knew best. They had begun to fall back to their traditions and religious habits that had since been superseded in innumerable ways and measure.

In short, everything that has and is being done is mere practice for heaven. The temple worship of old and all of its tenants and implements were symbolic of things in heaven (Rev 4). Even they, however, required the sacrifice of bulls and goats to make them clean. In order for you and I to gain the actual heaven, far more was needed. In fact, it required the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to make it possible.

Beloved, many times in life, we get by with the next best thing. Rather than insisting on purity, the genuine article or the name brand, we compromise for one reason or the other. Know that God is the master of quality. Our reconciliation to Him required no less than the perfect sacrifice. Knowing and requiring this, He sent the only one of his kind. He sent nothing but the best. Dare we give Him any less than our best?

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee