Each one of us in the faith has different spiritual giftings from God, of which we are all different. Not every person is a pastor, prophet, apostle, teacher, evangelist, writer, or a person with tongues. These are certainly callings from God, of which only through the Holy Spirit can we do them as God leads us. But if God has not called you to anything, other than a servant for now, live up to what God is doing in your life. We can’t be living in sin and still expect to do God’s will upon this earth. And with any calling, Paul taught us the following, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Yes, this is so true. Every person in the faith is called to walk in lowliness and meekness of heart. We are not greater than anyone else and are just humbled to serve God in His church. This leads us to have traits like longsuffering and love. People can see our good works at church and outside the walls also, and when we are continuing to live as Christ would on earth, then they know our faith is genuine. People like this do not tear down anybody in the faith but lifts them up. They keep the unity of the Spirit among their fellow brethren and sisters with God’s peace.
Paul said, “there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:4-7) Therefore, to be divided because of our beliefs is not what God has intended. There is a reason why people of different religions believe in different ways then we do. And even we can be at fault because of our false beliefs. Certainly, different translations of the Bible has led to many false beliefs. Just think of the “New World Translation”, the “Joseph Smith Translation”, and others. Both of these translations have added to and taken away precious parts from God’s word, the Bible. The “New World Translation”, being in the Jehovah Witnesses religion, and the “Joseph Smith Translation” in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religion or Mormonism. But this was never what God wanted. If people from all churches would simply teach from the written word of the KJV Bible, doctrines of men would begin to cease. And more importantly, if the Holy Spirit was present with the pastor, bishop, or priest, then God’s Word would be heard as it is intended for us today. God wants to lead each one of us in a different way and the especially the church, but we must let Him take the wheel.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people would begin to be led by You and not what their prophets, pastors, teachers, priests, and/or bishops are telling them. We should never just take a person’s word for it without testing what they say with what the Bible says. I would never wish to accidentally diminish, take away, or add to what You have already said in scripture because of my false beliefs. Therefore, I pray that You will rip out of my heart and mind anything that I believe in now that goes against what You say. If anything is still engrained inside of me because of my upbringing in my family or at church, bring these evil things to my attention too. I am willing to forsake them completely. Nothing I know now or even do is more important than to live for You instead. I love Your ways. You are my deliverer. Even from the corruption that comes from different religions. Keep me from the commandments and doctrines of men, and if I am ever around such people, may I be bold enough to stick up for what is right and holy in the Bible. And with everything, help me to speak to people with respect and love. Help me talk to them in a way that will lead them to continue to follow You, Jesus, and not to desert Christianity altogether. Many people have left the Christian faith because of mean people who treated them unkindly. And I feel bad for not only the person who has left the faith but for the person who has led them out. I wish I could speak Your truth with love to them even now, but only You can make this happen. I love You, Lord. You are my God and I will follow You. Amen.
