Sunday, July 31, 2011

Irons in the Fire

14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  -Matthew 5:14, 15 (KJV) 

I have for years heard the expression about having “too many irons in the fire.”  We all know what this means.  It refers to having so many responsibilities going on in our lives that we begin to feel overwhelmed.  This is not a good feeling, and most would agree.  These days I have more going on than ever before and I find my gifts and abilities are often stretched to the limit.  Yet, do you want to know something?  Right now this is all right.  I know my limitations, and if I begin to feel I am attempting to do too much I will take the needed steps to slow down. 

What I am learning is we must be careful of spreading ourselves too thin (another nice word picture), yet we need those irons in the fire.  Being involved, connected, and a part of the work of the kingdom of God is good for us as followers of Christ.  When Jesus said we are to be His light and His witnesses in the world He meant for us to be out among the people who most need the gospel.  Not only are we blessed in being connected through sharing the love of Christ, but we are also enriched through the relationships we build and the lives we touch. 

The challenge comes in striking the right balance between doing what God would have us to do and doing too much.  For most people, they need not worry about doing too much in their service to Christ.  Most of us could be doing far more than we are right now.  Do not be afraid to reach out in the name of the Lord.  Let us walk forward in bold and confident faith that the Lord is with us and He will bless us as we minister to others in His name.   

Too many irons in the fire?  Maybe, maybe not.  If our service to Christ is lacking, then go ahead and add another iron in the Lord’s service.  Christ will empower us to serve Him with zeal and devotion.

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