Spend and Be Spent

What a challenge for us in the Kingdom today! Are we spending and being spent for souls? It’s so easy to attend church week after week without giving much thought to the mission of the church, the very mission of Christ: seeking and saving lost souls!

What does it mean to spend and be spent for souls? It means disciplined and groaning prayer. It means lost sleep. It means sacrificial giving toward the church’s mission. It means consistent witness and holy living. It means sacrificing our own needs and preferences for the lost. It means inviting people that you don’t think will respond and responding to people that are not like you.

In the news recently, I read about a Florida deputy making a routine traffic stop who was subsequently attacked and beaten by the offending motorist. Seeing the situation develop, three good Samaritans sprung into action, subduing the assailant and helping the policeman. I thought as I watched the report, “There still is honor and decency in our country.” Those men risked their safety – both legal and physical – in order to come to the aid of the policeman. What a welcome sight considering the recent attitude that has been on display concerning our policemen across the country! They spent and were spent to ensure that the mission of that sheriff would be accomplished.

At the end of the day, are you spent, are you weary in the work of the Master? During the day are you spending your “capital” – time, money, reputation, skills, influence – that souls may come to him?