Doing the right thing/doing what GOD says? Pt- 3

Lets meditate on few more examples from the Bible who did what GOD wanted rather than doing the right thing.

1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. ¹⁸ But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Dan:3:16-18

When the King gave a degree to worship the golden statue, the three friends decided to please GOD rather than the King. Although every other person in the whole Kingdom did what seemed right by obeying the King that is to bow down to the golden statue, only Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose not to bow. They knew that obeying and pleasing GOD was more important than listening to a mere human and although they had to pay the highest price of giving up their own lives by burning in the fire, they counted the cost of pleasing GOD more rewarding. In verse 18 they make this profound statement that even if GOD will not rescue them, still they will not worship the idol. The Bible says these three had an excellent Spirit. It has always made me wonder what a unique mindset they had, that they never even bothered about their getting killed.

Today we are confronted with many similar situations in our day to day lives. How many times have we pleased GOD? Have we given in to the need of the hour? Not giving a second thought to whether our actions will please GOD or not?

Do we try to please our boss, teachers, spouse,parents, in laws, friends, children or sometimes even strangers?

Most of the time we get carried away and start following the crowd. Long back I read a story about dead fishes, how they flow with the water current, its only the live fishes that swim against the water current. Today when you are confronted with any kind of challenge which would contradict Godly values, I encourage you to choose to please GOD. Take a bold stand for what GOD wants- where ever you are, stand out in the crowd and think about the live fish which swims against the water current and doesn’t go with the flow.

Whatever consequence you might face always remember that your reward in Heaven is greater and that is all that matters.

¹¹ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Math:5:12

2.Little boy who shared his lunch 

⁸ Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,⁹ “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. Jn:6:8-10

This little boy always fascinates me. His mum packed a lunch for him and he decided to share it with JESUS. Again the right thing would be to eat his lunch himself but he did the GOD thing by sharing it. When he shared with JESUS, HE not only blessed it but multiplied it. Same applies to our talents. GOD has given each and everyone of us some kind of talent. Even to a person who thinks he has no talent, GOD has entrusted him something. All we have to do is give it back to HIM and HE will surely multiply it.

⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Rom:12:6

Whatever you do make sure, you don’t bury it but use it for the glory of GOD, for that is what GOD wants you to do!!!

Have a fruitful day doing the GOD thing!!!

GOD bless!