If you do something in the Name of Jesus, make sure you do it in excellence, striving toward mastery.
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1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
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I have found it a common thing to encounter people who try to impress you with how much they know about everything. And yet when the pressure is on, when it is really time to stand up and be counted for something worthwhile, you soon discover they are a “jack-of-all-trades, but master of none.” That means they know just enough about a plethora of things to get into trouble if they really encounter a problem in that area, and be embarrassed if they encounter someone who is truly knowledgeable in it.
The admonition of our Text for Today would be sound advice for all people, but especially believers to accept and heed. Should a person strive for mastery? Absolutely! The choice of that arena, however, is between that person and the Lord Who gave them talents, abilities, and gifts they can use for His glory. Think about this; anyone can sing, but how many do it in excellence? I know many people who can play some guitar chords, but few who play guitar with excellence. Most people can speak, and while I have heard multitudes of people speak publically, there are only a few who do so excellently.
To achieve mastery, excellence at ANYTHING requires study, attention to accuracy and detail, and practice, MUCH practice. And that includes in the things of God. Being “called” does not make one excellent. The “called” person MUST be diligent in study, accuracy, detail, and practice in order to achieve mastery at that to which they are “called.” Consider a master craftsman, stage performer, athlete, doctor, or attorney. How much diligent practice did it take to get them to the mastery level of their life. Now my Christian friend, my fellow intercessor, my fellow five-fold minister, my fellow church musician, my fellow soul winner; how much diligent practice do you apply to that to which the Lord has called you? Remember, you are called to “mastery.” You CAN make it. WILL you?
Manna for Today – 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Psalm 25:12-14; 1 John 2:20-27