The Object Will Usually
Determine The Outcome
By Jeff Arnold,
Gainesville, FL
In our modern society, filled with
SELF-SEEKERS and GOD-REJECTERS, it would pay all of us well to EXAMINE our
own hearts and motives with regard to THE OBJECT in our lives. It stands
very obvious to me that PREVIOUS FOLKS IN PENTECOST seemed to differ quite
a bit with this last generation with regard to LOYALTY, DEDICATION AND
SACRIFICE. Is there an answer to help us? I think the truth is very easy
to see: The PAST GENERATION seemed to be in LOVE WITH HIS PRESENCE, while
this one seems to be in LOVE WITH HIS PRESENTS. Quite a difference;
don’t you think? Both words sound similar, but they are miles apart. Our
generation has been given so much that previous folks lacked; I think it
has ILL-AFFECTED their MOTIVES. They seem to serve God for what can be
done for them and WHAT GOD WILL GIVE THEM.
The OL' TIMERS, if I may use this grand term with RESPECT, seemed, with
having nothing but themselves, became very HUNGRY FOR HIS PRESENCE. They
didn't worry about stuff; they were so into HIM – if they could just
TASTE AND SEE, BE TOUCHED AGAIN, LIFT THEIR VOICES TO HIM, SERVE HIM WITH
GLADNESS…. I think we are facing a GREAT PROBLEM today, for I see a
DIFFERENT CONVERT coming today, one with a MINDSET that looks for what
they can receive, and not for WHAT THEY CAN WILLINGLY GIVE. This
generation has become quite known for DISLOYALTY, SELF-SERVICE, and
BENEFITS, that it seems to carry over into the CHURCH: if something comes
up, we stay home; if I have a chance to meet someone or go out to eat,
CHURCH IS PUT ON THE BACK BURNER; if PROBLEMS are encountered and not
quickly fixed, CHURCH has got to go; if the KIDS want to do this or that
and CONFLICT ARISES about scheduling, CHURCH must BEND. SEE WHAT I mean?
King Saul was in love with the PALACE; David was in love with HIS
PRESENCE, which made all the difference in the outcome. It is not a matter
of whether things are wrong, but, rather, INNER MOTIVES that must win for
GOD. If I give to Church and I get nothing; so WHAT? If I put church first
and I Miss something; SO WHAT? If I come and seemingly get nothing from
the service; SO WHAT? We should be after HIS PRESENCE FOREMOST, AND NOT
HIS PRESENTS….
Ó 2004 J.W.
Arnold
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