“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NLT)
A supervisor asked me to sit in on a first stage, formal disciplinary warning that she was going to administer. Knowing of the employee’s reputation, the one who would receive the warning, was one of being disruptive, divisive, and disagreeable, I conceded to sit in. My intention was just to be a witness and perhaps keep the tension level way low and the issuing of the warning from escalating.
Initially, my presence did not matter. Before the supervisor could finish every sentence on the warning form, he would interrupt with an objection and even an obscene comment at occasionally. My intention flew out the window. I injected myself in the issuing of the warning and put an end to the employee’s behavior. I informed the associate that he would have a chance to write his comments and ask questions after the supervisor had gone over the prepared and pre-approved form. He cooperated. But when it was his turn, man he had more objections that an attorney in the courtroom defending and obviously guilty individual. What should have taken no longer than 15 minutes maximum, went on for 25 minutes. I stepped in one more time. I took his personnel file from his supervisor and pulled out the multiple forms he had signed during orientation. I pulled them out one-by-one and pointed to relevant statements on each form. After showing him the statements I said, “Do you see your signature? This is what you signed up for.” His response, “I didn’t pay that any attention at the time.” My turn again. I say, “We have orientation so you will know what the organization’s expectations are of you in your position. We even gave you a copy. Do you see your signature?” There is no response. Silence prevails for a few seconds. I tell him one more time, “This is what you signed up for.” Finally he signed the warning and asked, “Are we finished.” His supervisor says, “Yes.” He gets up and walks back to his work area. Oh, he finished the day, but after that shift, we never saw him again.
Let’s turn the page from this disgruntled character to every declared Christian, including you. You did not have to sign any formal papers when you came and confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior. Yet it can be said that you figuratively signed up for a variety of things. You signed up to be a follower of Christ! You signed up to be one of His disciples! You signed up to do your best to walk in the newness of life! You signed up to do specific things that the Lord requires of all believers. Things like pray, participate in the life of the church, pursue knowledge and wisdom by studying the word, perform the roles symbolized by salt and light! You signed up to let the Lord be the head of your life! You signed up, knowing that the road you would have to follow would not be easy! When you signed up, you were delighted, devoted, and definite about your commitment to serve the Lord with gladness! And let me add, you signed up, thankful for the opportunity to serve! This is not all you signed up for; to be honest about it! The more we learn from the word, the higher our expectations. This is what you signed up for!
I know, I stepped in your life just like I stepped in the employee’s life who I mentioned above. No, I’m not your boss or your boss’s boss. The Lord is the One who will evaluate you, discipline you if necessary, and bring to remembrance the things you signed up for. I thank God that you do not have to be called into the divine office and be reminded, “This is what you signed up for.” And keep in mind, Jesus, after conceding, “Not My will, but Thy will be done” in the Garden of Gethsemane, had no problem with realizing why God sent Him; no problem with the statement, “This is what you signed up for!” On this Thursday morning, reflect, react, and respond accordingly. Have a great day my friend, remembering we are all about making perfect progress when it comes to our growth in the Lord Jesus Christ! As one of my Deacons says daily, “Rejoice!” Be blessed!
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King