If your child surprises you one morning, with burnt toast, dry scrambled eggs, and cold coffee would you appreciate the effort taken or would you tell them they could have done a better job?
If your child in their youth decides to do dishes while you are mowing the lawn, you go into the kitchen and see water on the floor and food still on the dishes they “washed”, will you be angry at their lack of perfection? Or, instead, teaching them the right way lovingly, letting them know you appreciate and are blessed by their efforts?
Our Heavenly Father is not one you should cower from in fear of being criticized or told your attempts are not good enough.
Yes, we are to have the fear of the LORD, that fear is a respect, a high reverence for Him, His Word, and who He is, so you will not bring reproach on Him or slander His Holy Word or His Holy Name.
That fear is not to paralyze you so you do not do anything for the kingdom, in fear you will do it wrong! That fear is not to prevent you from sharing the Gospel and reaching out to others.
Do not be like that wicked servant that allowed the spirit of fear to immobilize him, to where he buried the talent out of fear.
You do not earn salvation, you do not work for it either, but we are commanded to go and make disciples of all men.
We are told to share the Good News.
We are to pray for the sick.
We are told to feed the hungry.
Clothe the naked.
Help the widows and orphans.
Pray for those who persecute us.
Love our enemies.
Feed our enemies if they are hungry.
Do good to all and not rend evil for evil.
These are things we are told to do, not to earn anything but because He placed His Spirit in us and gave us a new heart that those things He did should and must be our desire as well.
The wicked servant listened to the enemy and buried his talent so it just sat there and did nothing. He used the spirit of fear which damned him.
God has not given us the spirit of fear though, but He has given us power, love, and a sound mind.
Do not allow the enemy to condemn you, shame you, or allow self-condemnation creep in saying your efforts are not good enough.
Our Heavenly Father sees your efforts and is pleased even when we make a mess of it. He will correct and teach us the right way! Don’t quit, keeping moving forward in Christ.
A Word of encouragement for someone today.
I love you all.
Watchmen On The Pod 