The call of a Christ Follower

As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Mark 1:16-17 (NASB95)

Every now and then we all need a simple reminder of what we are called to do and be. If we are going to be a Christ Follower we must remember what we were called too. Simply, it is to follow Him and fish for men.

Simple statement but not always simple to do. We follow Him. We walk were Jesus walks. We live like Jesus lives. We act like Jesus acts. we love like Jesus loves.

Second, and not any easier we fish for men. If we are not attempting on a daily basis to share the truth of the gospel with someone else we are not fulfilling our call as a Christ follower.

I hope this reminder challenges you. I know it does me. I want to be found faithful we Jesus returns for us or calls us to Him. How about you?

Wisdom

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

James 3:13 (NASB)

We run across people from time to time who want to be seen as the "smartest people in the room." For the Christ Followers that there are spiritual issues that abound, the most important humility. But James says that wisdom and understanding are demonstrated by the Christ Follower in good behavior and acts of gentleness and wisdom.

In this case seeking to be the wisest in the room isn't really a negative character trait but rather positive. But spiritual wisdom is not being smart, understanding theology or even never having a moment of weakness, in mind, spirit or will power. It is demonstrated by good and godly works.

So take a moment today and examine whether you are living as wise and understanding as God would have you live.

Worship

When Gideon heard the account of the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship.

Judges 7:15 (HCSB)

Worship is not a Sunday morning event. It is what we do when we are confronted with the awesomeness of God. We worship when we realize God's greatness, His love for us and His sovereign hand in our lives.

Gideon heard one enemy combatant telling another about a dream he had. They took it as prophesy predicting Gideon's victory and the assurance caused a natural response in Gideon, worship. Don't underestimate the importance of true worship in your life. It is critical for your usefulness as a Christ Follower.

Assurance

That night the Lord said to him, “Get up and go into the camp, for I have given it into your hand. 10 But if you are afraid to go to the camp, go with Purah your servant. 11 Listen to what they say, and then you will be strengthened to go to the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outpost of the troops who were in the camp. 12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the Qedemites had settled down in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore. 13 When Gideon arrived, there was a man telling his friend [about] a dream. He said, “Listen, I had a dream: a loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp, struck a tent, and it fell. The loaf turned the tent upside down so that it collapsed.” 14 His friend answered: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has handed the entire Midianite camp over to him.”

Judges 7:9-14 (HCSB)

There's nothing like a good dose of assurance or reassurance to help a Christ Follower do what God has called him to do. Gideon needed the assurance that he could accomplish what God said would be accomplished. God gave him his reassurance from the dream of the enemy in the camp.

God offers to us assurance that He is with us. We see it in our circumstances but more importantly in God's Word. Don't be afraid!

Character for Victory

3 Now announce in the presence of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So 22,000 of the people turned back, but 10,000 remained. 4 Then the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one can go with you,’ he can go. But if I say about anyone, ‘This one cannot go with you,’ he cannot go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon, “Separate everyone who laps water with his tongue like a dog. Do the same with everyone who kneels to drink.” 6 The number of those who lapped with their hands to their mouths was 300 men, and all the rest of the people knelt to drink water.

Judges 7:3-6 (HCSB)

God reduced Gideon's army by two simple tests. He checked the courage test. He also checked the Alertness test. God was looking for people to serve with Gideon who had courage and were not afraid. He was also looking for those who were alert to their surroundings.

I really don't think that is much different from today. God is looking for us to be courageous in our service to Him. He is seeking those who are alert to what is going on around them. We loose more opportunities for the Kingdom of God because we lack courage and alertness.

Pride

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many people for Me to hand the Midianites over to you, or else Israel might brag: ‘I did it myself.’

Judges 7:2 (HCSB)

Pride is a problem for us to be all that God wants for us to be. God knows us and He knows that pride is a problem. It is part of the Human condition. God knows that all to often we take credit for what is done rather than giving Him the glory and honor. Check yourself concerning your pride.