Actions God Expects From You
Revelation 2:9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
In the book of Revelation, God tells us about the strengths and weaknesses of the seven churches. The things God points out to us in each church are for every believer to pay attention to, so we can apply these lessons to our lives. I find several actions that God points out that He expects you to have in your life, and I want to point them out to you.
First, God expects you to be a listener. Several times, God says, He that hath an ear, let him hear. God wants you to be a listener because He knows that you will never learn if you don't listen. Listening to the preaching of the Word of God and to the authorities as they teach you is critical to your spiritual growth. The person who listens is the person who learns and will eventually become a leader.
Second, God expects you to be an overcomer. Several times God says, Him that overcometh. God knows that we will face things that are much bigger than our abilities, but He expects you to have the grit on the inside not to crumble and quit, but to find a way to overcome. You will never be a good Christian if you don't find ways to overcome the obstacles you face in life.
Third, God expects you to be patient. Patience is critical to serving God. You have to be patient with the process of doing right because, if you are not patient, you will quickly quit when you don't see the rewards of serving God.
Fourth, God expects you to labor. God noticed the work and the labor of these churches, and He notices whether you are working. God did not save you just to sit; He saved you to serve Him. You will never please the Lord with your life if you are not actively involved in serving Him.
Fifth, God expects you to be faithful. God points out the faithfulness of these churches, and He notices your faithfulness as well. Faithfulness is a choice that anybody can make; it's just a matter of showing up, whether you feel like it or not, and whether it is convenient or inconvenient.
Sixth, God expects you to quickly correct your sin. God pointed out each church's weaknesses, expecting them to quickly correct what they were doing wrong. God knows that we are frail humans who will have weaknesses, but He does not expect us to stay weak; He expects us to correct those weaknesses so we can better serve Him. Having a weakness is not an excuse; it is a command to strengthen it so that it no longer hinders us from serving God.
Seventh, God expects you to use the strength you have to serve Him. God makes a statement, strengthen the things which remain. You cannot serve God if you allow the little bit of strength that you have to be your excuse for not serving Him. God said about one church, for thou hast a little strength. This church did not let its little strength stop them from serving Him. You must take whatever strength you have and use it if you want God to make you stronger. There is no purpose for God giving you more strength if you don't use the strength that you do have to serve Him.
These seven actions are expected by God in your life. Whatever action you find yourself lacking in, I challenge you to correct it so that you can be a better servant for God.
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