CAN APPEARANCE BE DECEIVING?

REFLECTION:
My eldest sister is also a servant leader of our church. She was way ahead of me in serving the Lord and she was one of those whom God has chosen to be an instrument in reaching out to me.

She visited the house yesterday and we had talks regarding last Sunday's Councils Meeting. It was the first meeting presided over by the new head of the implementing council. In our talks, I could still sense the resentment we have for some of the new officers, particularly those who have offended us in the past. How long do I have to norture such pains? (1 Sm 16:1)

The Lord said to me, "Be on your way, I am sending you, for I have chosen" (1 Sm 16:1). To my simple understanding, this means "Move on with your new mission and I will take care of them".

I guess one of the reasons why I still could not get out from the hang of it is the fact that I got used to performing the said task for almost three years (1 Sm 16:2). In relinquishing the said task to the new head, my thoughts and actions seems to move towards competition rather than what is expected of me by the Lord, and that is "to give my support on the Lord's new chosen Leader". (1 Sm 16:3)

"Do as I command", the Lord tells me (1 Sm 16:4). In obedience, I must totally free my mind of any negative thoughts about those other new leaders who have caused me pain in the past. This requires sacrifice on my part for it is not easy to ignore their continued attacks on me but somehow, I can take inspiration from our Lord Jesus Christ who did not norture any ill feelings towards those who caused him pain and led him to the cross. (1 Sm 16:5)

Whatever their intentions are, they can never escape the eyes of God. It is not for me to judge them but the Lord surely knows their hearts (1 Sm 16:6-7).

Appearance can be deceiving but I rest upon the knowledge and truth that "Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart (1 Sm. 16:7). One proof of this was when the Lord Jesus Christ said, "they appear in sheep's clothing but underneath, they are ravenous wolves".
Looking back at the time when the Lord had first chosen me, I was very young then as compared to almost all the servant leaders of our church. (1 Sm 16:11-12)

In my own standards, I do not consider myself qualified but the Lord had enabled me to perform not based on my own accord, but based on my obedience to do his will. I have received anointing from him and it was his Spirit that did the work. (1 Sm 16:13)

PRAYER:

Father God,

You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior (Ps. 89:27). You have found me to be your servant and have anointed me to be an instrument of your grace (Ps. 89:21).

May your hand be always with me, and that your arm may make me strong in carrying out the good work that you have begun in me (Ps. 89:22).

I was very young then when you called and chosen me to be of service to your people (Ps 89:20). Many years have passed and still you continue to bless me and my family, giving us the best of times under the comfort of your love and care.

To you O God, I send my heartfelt thanks as I praise and glorify your name forever. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.