Philemon 1:10-11
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.”
How often do we place our reputation and authority on the line for a brother or sister in the Lord? I fear that we are more concerned about what people think of us than what the Lord calls us to do.
Paul has encountered a runaway slave named Onesimus and led him to a saving knowledge of Christ. This former slave is now returning to his former master and faces an uncertain future. He will either be harshly punished or accepted as a brother in the Lord.
We may encounter individuals who have been slaves to sin. The Lord calls us to be ready to receive them should they demonstrate by changed lives that they have truly been born again.
By their fruit we will know them. The Lord calls us to be fruit inspectors and reap a spiritual harvest. How much time are we spending in God’s orchard of this world? Be ready to reap the harvest!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil