Think about this: A very rusty old lock is dangling from a door that has been closed for decades. Inside the door may be old relics that people may have cherished and thought highly enough of them to hide them away.

Of course the lock represents the phrase: ” Do not enter”, or “don’t come in”, or “This is mine and you can’t have it”. In any event it means “Keep Out!”

We all have things that we either “cherish”, or “hide from view,” so that they will not become obvious that we have them.

This could also include events we won’t talk about, or even gifts and skills and talents we possess that we feel would look like we are “tooting our own horn” for others to see. We might be “afraid of being judged about them.”

Jesus, when He died on the Cross, first of all went to Hell and took away the keys of Hell and Death, then He ascended into Heaven, giving Gifts to men.

The Gifts that He gave have a magnificent purpose as found in Ephesians Chapter 4: 8, where it reads: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”

The purpose of these Gifts was for the building up of the Body of Christ.

“And He, Himself, gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12.

Yet, how are these Gifts to the Church supposed to be effective; how do they actually bring about the “edifying of the body of Christ?”

The answer is in Ephesians 4:15:…. “By speaking the truth in Love.”

Many are so territorial about their gifts and talents that the phrase “speaking the truth in love” finds it difficult to find its rightful place among us.

“Men and brethren, this is not meant to be found among us,” where speaking the truth in love is superseded by our own jealousies,anger and resentment concerning one being more successful than others.

In other words: GET OVER IT.

The LORD has placed a calling upon your life that can only be fulfilled through obedience to the Voice of the Holy Spirit.

Lack of obedience to your own calling makes others look more successful. “Speaking the truth in Love“ has not found its rightful place in your life.

“I beseech you therefor brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which will be your worship. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.

Then you can prove your calling with your own life.

“Fulfill my joy that you all be like minded, being of the same love. being of one accord…. ” Philippians 2: 2.

 

~ Thomas Downes

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Thomas Downes. Walking with the LORD for over 40 years, Thomas runs “The Voice of the Writer” a Prophetic Ministry. His purpose is to present the Word of God and the Love of God with the prophetic heart; the heart that desires to hear the Voice of the LORD, and present His Word for the encouragement of others.

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