Giving the Best - Martin Wiles

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

Doing again what I had already done thirty years before was a surreal experience. But after all, who said giving the best was easy? 

Five candidates and I sat in front of the presiding bishop. We were ordinands and would soon be ordained by the presiding bishop. But the difference between me and them was that I had already done this many years before in another denomination. Although the doctrine and governing style between the two denominations differed slightly, the ordination process was similar—yet still touching. The bishop instructed us on the seriousness of the process and related its purpose. Then, one by one, we were called to the stage for the presiding board to lay hands on and pray for us, separating us for the preaching and teaching of the gospel. Once again, I was reminded that God demands my best.

If anybody could have tired of doing good things, Paul certainly could have. His zeal for spreading the gospel to the Jews and the pagan world was equally as fierce as his persecution of Christians before he met the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road. He traveled the known world on numerous mission trips, endeavoring to present everyone with the opportunity to trust in Jesus Christ. He gave his best until he was finally put to death for doing his best. 

Before meeting the risen Christ, Paul’s fervor was probably an attempt to earn acceptance with God. He was, after all, a Pharisee—a religious leader who had studied under a master teacher and who obeyed the Old Testament law zealously. New understanding, however, dawned on him after his Damascus Road encounter. Now he worked to tell others that they couldn’t work to attain salvation.

Salvation can’t be earned through good works, but we will want to do them when we choose to follow Christ. He is our example, and studying his life reveals that he spent the majority of his time serving others. 

Christianity is ironic. God promises persecution, but he also promises peace and abundance. Amid trying circumstances and persecution, we can find peace, joy, and fulfillment by taking our eyes off ourselves and putting servant hands on others. 

Give God your best by obeying him and serving others.

Father, as you have given your best for me, prompt me to offer my best to you. 

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