"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Tim 4:16(NIV) I am constantly in awe of people who can espouse and understand the many theological doctrines and debates in the Christian community. I feel my head spinning when people begin to talk of such things and in some instances I feel myself shrink back inside and think that maybe, just maybe I am not qualified to be sharing my testimony or my thoughts. But at this time I am reminded of the 12 men that Jesus called his friends and disciples. These men were ordinary laborers and people like most of us. They were not well-versed in the scriptures and did not have time to spend their days at the Temple steps contemplating the meanings of words in the Torah. They simply did what most of us do. They lived their lives, provided for their families and struggled with many of the same internal struggles we do. But all that changed one day when Jesus of Nazareth, an average carpenter arrived on the banks of the river and beckoned them to come one at a time and leave all that they knew in order to follow Him. What these men didn't know at the time was that He was not just a carpenter that performed miracles, gave them fishing tips and healed the sick -- He was God himself in human form. Along with His vast understanding of all the theological discussions and interpretations prevalent at that time, He was also man that could relate to the common person; and in many cases the uneducated and unenlightened man. As His ministry grew so did His followers; more learned individuals from various backgrounds such as tax collectors and doctors joined His ranks. This did not intensify His ministry, their addition only diversified it because the Lord knew that down the road you and I would need to relate to someone on our level. Even as a man, He continued to care for those of us that He had not yet "knit in our mothers' wombs." (Psm 139:13) For that I am so thankful because when I begin to doubt myself and my purpose in His kingdom to spread the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am reminded that I don't need a fancy degree or a label for an advanced and/high level doctrine. He confirms for me that He gave me my very own "doctrine" and that is my testimony. My testimony is all that someone may need to find the Lord Jesus and obtain salvation. Not to downplay the theological community or the many different areas of debate out there, but sometimes simple is better. Strip away all the doctrine and fancy names and ultimately, we have someone's testimony on which Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of it all. I am thankful for what the Lord has equipped me with even though it is by no means "lavish" or even eloquent most of the time. I am called to remember the words of an old hymn of Blessed Assurance. The words are as follows:
Application:
- What is your story?
- Do you feel that your story and/or testimony is not "good" or "special" enough? Remember, God can and will use all of us!
- Pray that the Lord will lead you to use your testimony to impact another for Christ.
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