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SO YOU THINK YOU HAD A GOOD IDEA?
By Greg Perkins, SMDHealthy.Church
Have you ever had an idea that made you think, “Wow, that was a really good idea that I had!”…only to find out that someone else had the idea before you and that it wasn’t only yours? I read a verse in John 15:16 that made me think of the MANY times this has happened to me.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” – John 15:16 (NIV)
Most of us live under the wrong impression that WE made the decision to come to Christ completely on our own, and probably think, “Wow, that was a pretty good idea!” The fact is, HE CHOSE US FIRST! When Christ went to the cross to pay the price for our sins, he cleared the way for you to have the choice to come to Him. If HE hadn’t done what He did, we couldn’t have even made that choice. The whole thing was HIS idea BEFORE it was yours.
“Most of us live under the wrong impression that WE made the decision to come to Christ completely on our own…”
But why did He choose us? He chose us and appointed us to bear fruit. The entire chapter of John 15 talks about this idea of bearing fruit and living a life that is fruitful. We are reminded that fruit grows on trees as a result of what is INSIDE of them—their DNA if you will. An apple tree will grow apples because that is what is inside its nature. In our case, if we are followers of Christ, and His character is being developed INSIDE us, then, His character will grow as the fruit on the OUTSIDE of us.
What is inside of you? The quickest way to know is by looking at what is GROWING out of your life (the fruit/produce). If you are not satisfied with what is growing out of your life, then allow God to transform you on the inside. The law of sowing and reaping that Paul writes about in Galatians 6:7-9 is a real thing, and if we will sow the seeds of prayer, study of God’s Word, and faithfulness…then the crops that grow from your life and ministry will be just the kind of fruit that is needed for whatever SEASON of life you’re facing!
“if we are followers of Christ, and His character is being developed INSIDE us, then His character will grow as the fruit on the OUTSIDE of us..”
Whenever you’re tempted to think this life you’re living was YOUR idea, remember that Christ was thinking of you long BEFORE you ever thought of Him. Your fruitfulness in life or ministry will be a direct result of HIS life IN you.
Let’s make it count!
Greg
Whenever you’re tempted to think this life you’re living was YOUR idea, remember that Christ was thinking of you long BEFORE you ever thought of Him. Your fruitfulness in life or ministry will be a direct result of HIS life IN you. let’s make it count
Greg Perkins
Church Development Director
Greg Perkins serves as Church Development Director for the Southern Missouri District. He and his wife Di Ann have always had a passion for the local church as well as a deep desire to see healthy, vibrant churches reach their communities with the Gospel. They bring this passion and desire to their work in and among the churches of Southern Missouri. The Perkins’ are former lead pastors of First Family Church in Osage Beach, MO, and have spent over 25 years in full-time church ministry in Southern Missouri and Kansas, serving as lead pastor in Marshfield, Missouri and Derby, Kansas. Di Ann has worked as an executive secretary in real estate, banking, international missions, and Christian higher education. In addition to church leadership, Greg spent 6 years as a Senior Sales and Business Development Representative for two Fortune 500 companies, as well as Director of Chaplains for police agencies in Kansas and Missouri. The Perkins’ have two sons, Brad and Alex. Greg is also the author of a devotional book entitled, “Moments of Destiny,” He is currently working on a series of book projects and also has a devotional blog site, www.momentsofdestiny.com.