Poured Out...

There is a deadly philosophy creeping through our hearts and homes. Lingering and tantalizing. Bringing with it a sense of apathy and complacency. Justified with the arguments brought to us by the world...beckoning us to hold back. To reserve oneself. To take time for "your needs". To make sure "you have enough for you" first. To only give...when it is comfortable and convenient to do so. To only serve...when accolades are loud and appreciation is flowing. To only love...when it is reciprocated and the object is congenial.

But this runs contrary to the example given to us by our Savior. Who being in very nature GOD...did not consider equality with God something to be used for His own advantage, rather, He made Himself NOTHING by taking the form of a Servant...humbling Himself...becoming obedient...even to death on a cross. (Phil. 2:6-8) 

He was poured out. Without restraint. Without reserve. Without holding back. No thought to Himself...only to the will of the Father and the salvation of His people. That is what true ministry looks like. To give of oneself with utter abandonment. Knowing that the One who calls is sufficient enough to fill that which is left dry. To obey without conditions.

Paul considered himself empty. Completely spent.  All of himself...poured out before the Lord...on the altar...as an offering.

        

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 

           I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;  in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 

II Timothy 4:6-8

Likening himself to the burnt offerings of old, he envisioned his life completely at the behest of his Master. His perspective was not on this world...not on his own comfort, not on how he was "feeling", not on how others could benefit him...or make him look good...but his perspective was on the eternal. What other purpose was there to live this brief life on earth...but completely poured out to the One who secured his eternity.

On the exit of his life, Paul could look back and confidently say that he gave all he had without restraint...holding nothing back. He fought...not coasted...all the way to the end. Knowing that there is a war raging round him...the petty enticements of this world could not entrap him.

If these are the examples set before us...what has become the stumbling block for us? The inhibitor? The restraint? Where are the faithful saints that give with reckless abandonment? That love without restriction or conditions? That serve tirelessly...selflessly...and cheerfully? 

Could it be that our sights are not set upon the crown of righteousness set before us? Have we forgotten the righteous Judge that holds our reward in hand? Has this temporal life dimmed our love for His appearing? Have we adjusted our gospel to fit into our self-centered culture? Diminishing sacrifice and glorifying self.

Unfortunately, the church is not characterized by radical obedience...rather a comfortable existence. Few and far between are the ones willing to actually "feel" their sacrifice. But the reality is this...there is still time. 

There is still time to put aside the "American-dream" and grab hold of the eternal reward. There is still time to   dismiss the prominence, the success, the prestige, the accolades...the temporal trappings of this world. 

There is still time to say as Paul, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  To have your sights so securely set on the prize before you that the circumstances surrounding you become merely the backdrop of God's grace to be shown. To anticipate with longing the appearing of the Lord.

There is still time...to be poured out...