ACCEPTABLE

Imagine this:

You are at the home of a dear friend or close relative for dinner.  You've worked all day and had no time for lunch. So, you are really looking forward to breaking bread. 

The table is set; you're invited to sit at the table. In eager expectation of a good, delicious meal, you're smiling from ear to ear in anticipation and gratitude.  Then, you look at the plate placed before you. Your smile disappears in .4 nanoseconds. 

The dinnerware and flatware are still decorated with the remnants of the previous meal. Your plate lacks presentation, as the food looks as if it was thrown on the plate like slop in a trough. There is a long streak across one edge of the plate that looks like it was licked by "Fido." Although you make a conscious effort to show appreciation for the meal, your stomach churns uncontrollably at the mere thought of even placing one forkful of that meal in your mouth...much less chewing and swallowing it. 

NOW. PICTURE THIS! Imagine how God feels when we present ourselves to Him in any way.
Then, we look at Him as if we are doing Him a huge favor by doing what we are supposed to do anyway...and expect Him to be glad about it. Imagine "doing a work" for the Lord, but not putting forth your very best. That's like serving God--the One who fearfully and wonderfully made us in His image--a meal on a filthy, disgusting plate. That plate/fork/spoon, etc. is the vessel (US). The meal is the offering (our works, our lifestyle, way of living, etc.). Are you offering an ill-prepared, just-thrown-together meal up to God like, Okay God. Here's your meal, Father. You want it? Here, take it!

Just as many of us desire (and low-key expect) God to bless us with nothing but the very best, we should make intentional effort in rendering up the best of what He's blessed us to do.  God is worth more than sloppy seconds, thirds and fourths.  He deserves the first and the best.  The breath that we breathe is graciously loaned to us. How are we paying God back with the very breath He's given to us? The very least we can do (which is not the "least" thing) is give Him praise. Next, we can do what He told us to do and work in our gifts for His glory.

Maybe you don't know what it is you're supposed to be doing ministry-wise.  You haven't received any inspiration or confirmation, and you're just sitting and waiting. This is where you can do some introspection and take full inventory of your gifts.  Do you like to write? Start a faith-based blog or a newsletter for your local church. Do you like to cook? Consider lending your culinary talents at an outreach where hot foods are prepared and served to those who are without. If you have a church home, schedule a session with your pastor and express your concerns about your place/position in the work of the kingdom. They can provide you with the godly counsel and guidance necessary for you to move in the right direction.  

In the meantime, simply do what the Bible instructed us to do: love the LORD our God.  Share His goodness with those who are lost and don't know God through His dear Son, Christ Jesus. Be willing h to help those who are in need (i.e., picking up someone for church who doesn't have a car, buying groceries for the elderly, etc.)

Whatever you do, do it unto the LORD and do it with fully intentionality. Put forth your best and do from the place of a pure heart.  God honors that. 

Be blessed,
Shairon