Spectators Not Wanted

Spectators Not Wanted.

Christian Fortitude – Part 3

Matthew 20:6

Illustration: While watching the peaceful scenery of the tranquil ocean, I find myself mesmerized by the carefree-ness of the whole picture. The timely fashion by which the waves break, with their tumbling of stones constantly presenting themselves upon the shore, almost brings one into an hypnotic trance. Everything seems to be so relaxed and effortless that there’s nothing to do. I suppose I could exist like this indefinitely! Alas, my eye spots something so contrary to this gentle ease, that upon further investigation, I find it completely anti-productive to the whole. Yet, it is so natural to the scene that I wonder how I could have missed it. There in the foreground of my Utopia are wondrous ocean fowl carving out an existence and working furiously to feed themselves and their young. And oh! Look there, it is a sun weathered man hauling up his traps checking for the catch of Lobsters. Every morning at the crack of dawn he is out there. Rain or shine, warm or cold. So now I see! There is more going on than I first imagined!

How long can we be spectators in this life?

The Christian Faith is about service!

I.                   People who heard Jesus knew this well.

A.    They asked Him if they could follow Him, or be His disciple.

II.                Jesus made this clear as it is understood in His sayings.

A.    All that follow Him must take up there cross daily.  Luke 9:23

B.     All that come to Him must take His yoke.  Matthew 11:28

C.     The acknowledgement is “well done thou good and faithful servant.

D.    His judgment upon the seven churches is based on works.  Revelation 2-3

III.             The Apostles reiterated this position.

Paul says that the Christian reward is based on works.  1 Cor.3:10-