Author: Christian Channel

Daily Bible Study
This is one of those passages that can cause some controversy, why? Because you can look at it several different commentaries and get several different suggestions. In addition, the phrase, "not fitting" can also be translated in our modern vernacular as "not a pretty sight." However, the one common thread is this, it's not appropriate for people to take on roles or positions they are not suited to occupy. God has given us each talents, intellect and abilities. In addition, God has given us the ability to learn, study and grow in our talents and skills as well as learn new things. In other words, God uniquely prepares us for the work He calls us to, and not the work we place ourselves in against His will. Therefore, for us to inappropriately seek after responsibilities and duties we have not the training, talent, knowledge or temperament for, is not only foolishness, but also sin in God's eyes. To seek after responsibilities and duties we have not the training, talent, knowledge or temperament for is dishonesty, regardless of the personal gain we may receive from it.

Even if the world does it that way, it's still dishonesty and sin in God's eyes. If we look at our role as Christians, it's to use our time, talents and resources to further the Gospel of Christ, build up others and help those in need. And to do these things by submitting to the guidance and will of God through the Holy Spirit. Then we must ask ourselves when desiring new positions, is this God's will? Does this edify others and help those in need? Does this further the Gospel of Christ through our actions? In other words, it's not ok in God's eyes to pursue anything and everything for personal gain when you know God has not prepared you for the task and you have neither the abilities, talents and temperament for the job. God requires honesty in all we do. Moreover, what is right is based on God's standard, not man's standard, and neither is it based on our emotions and certainly not on whether or not we have something to gain personally. We have to remember that God not only sees all our actions no matter how small, but also our hearts. This means God looks not just at our deeds, but at the motivations, desires and thoughts behind those deeds. Therefore, we are called to represent Christ to the world, in all we do, because He is our Lord and we are His bond-servants.