Highest and Best Use
The question is not useful, but what is the highest and best use? Not whether good is done, but is the most good done? Not whether good done is good, but is good done the best good?
Paul wrote that Demas had forsaken him because of love of this present world. A very sad commentary.
Saul started out with a humble heart, prophesying with prophets, God chosen. Ego got in the way. He believed everyone owed him. It led to disaster. He undid good done.
Samuel as a young lad learned that his whole life belonged to God. He stands out as a prince in the Old Testament.
King David waxed and waned…often being pulled toward flesh, but always coming back to God---the source of his strength.
Ours is a dangerous time. We are lacking statesmen in government. We are lacking statesmen in the church (universal). We are lacking leaders who can speak without political favoritism. A vacuum is growing for godly leaders to step forth and declare “Thus saith God.”
We are dangerously close to another recession in America, which will be devastating at home and to the whole world economy. In such times carnal people tend to turn to the flesh instead of the Spirit. In such times carnal people want religion that soothes and comforts, without challenge or sacrifice. In such times carnal people seek immediate gratification as a balm for their pain and fears. It is no different than an alcoholic wanting a drink to take away the pain of the addiction.
What we must do is understand that the Sovereign God is on His Throne. He is not out to recess or off on vacation, as Elijah suggested of the idol Baal. The Word of God is still true. Jesus is Lord. Jesus has promised to return. God has not forgotten us. He still knows our down-sittings and up-risings.
The question is not whether God is faithful, but are we faithful? Are we doing our best? Are we committed to serve our highest and best use?
All of this raises the question: What is our highest and best use?
The answer is that we are messengers to carry the Good News! This should not be a challenge. We were created by God for His glory. Jesus has redeemed us from sin and from destruction. We were without hope…dead in trespasses and sin. Christ died to redeem us---shedding his blood for the remission of our sins.
This is not like a limited amount of gold that we have found and must keep a secret. There is grace and to spare for every person. God’s will is that none be lost (John 3:16). Our job is to go tell. Tell family. Tell friends. Tell work associates. Tell fellow students. Tell strangers.
I am convinced that local churches die when evangelism and missions die in the heart of the pastor and the congregation. When selfishness demands a cultural fit for me and my family, the Spirit moves out. Satan moves in.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I believe these are the most exciting times of all of history. We stand upon the precipice of heaven anticipating events that God planned in eternal ages past. Now is the time. Urgent! NOW! We must not hold back. We must not be afraid to share the gospel. By phone, email, fax, iPod, TV, radio, newsletter, word-of-mouth…tracts, giving away Bibles.
And we must cover this evangelism with prayer. Join with me as we seek to take our nation back for God. Join with me as we seek to reach out to the lost in our family, on our street, and the countless persons with whom we come in contact daily.
There is much to be done. There is little time to work. Let us be at our highest and best use for which God made us.
Pastor Bare
Proverbs 11:30b "...and he that winneth souls is wise."