Bulletin

All or Nothing

"What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?

Are we stronger than He?" (1 Corinthians 10:19-22)

An all too common term that is used today is multi-tasking, where one has more than one thing going on at a time. This often is used in reference to one working on their computer while taking on other tasks such as answering the phone or talking with someone. On some occasions, it is working in multiple programs on the computer. The problem with multi-tasking is that it is hard to make sure all the tasks are being completed with the attention they need. This often leads to incorrect data being entered, or accident deletion of work.

If we are multi-tasking when it comes to our spiritual disciplines, being in the word, worship, prayer, and service, focusing also on other things to include being on our computers, tablets, or smart phones; we are not giving God our full focus. Think about it this way, if we are truly engaged in worship, we are giving off a sweet-smelling aroma to God. However, if we are just partially engaged and letting our focus drift to other things, this sweet aroma quickly becomes a stench that is unacceptable to God.

We cannot be multi-tasking when it comes to serving and worshiping God. It is all or nothing. Do not let other things get in the way, or try to hold on to worldly things, while serving and worshiping God. ""No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.' (Matthew 6:24)

Take the time to ask God to reveal the idols in your life that are pulling you away from him, or that are hindering your service and worship.

The Shepherd and Sheep Dogs

Now it's up to you. Be on your toes-both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people-God's people they are-to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for. "I know that as soon as I’m gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus." (Acts 20:28-30)

Sheep are among some of the most docile of creatures that are out there. They cannot protect themselves and do not work together like other herd animals. In the wild we see animals such as cows that will engage a wolf and then others will join in, attacking it. Wolves are a true danger to a flock of sheep as they will work their way into the herd taking and killing while the sheep graze away. Wolves will work from inside the herd stalking and attacking, usually creating a great deal of damage, if not killing, but also wounding some of the sheep.

Paul in charging the Ephesians elders warned them about the dangers from both from the outside and inside of the church. These wolves will attach with the purpose of damaging the church as much as possible causing division, bringing in false doctrine, or even to foster sin. The goal is to destroy the flock of God.

Barry Eisler in his novel Livia Lone sums it up this way, "Most people are like sheep. Nice, harmless creatures who want nothing more than to be left alone so they can graze. But then of course there are wolves, who want nothing more than to eat the sheep.

But there's a third kind of person, “The sheepdog”. Sheepdogs have fangs like wolves, but their instinct isn't predation, It's protection. All they want, what they live for, is to protect the flock.

This has become the motto for those in law enforcement and those who serve in elite military units. They see themselves as sheep dogs who are protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Pastors as sheepdogs are to protect the sheep not only from outside dangers but from potentially dangerous influences that arise from within the herd Sadly, this is all too common in the church. The sheepdog lives to serve the master, as an extension of his authority. This is the bond between a pastor and the Good Shepherd who has enlisted him in service to his sheep.