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(continued from 57 - 4)
he Lord could not do many mighty works in Nazareth because of their unbelief (Matt 13:54-58). We tempt God and upset Him when through unbelief we prevent (frustrate) Him from carrying out His plans for us.
Unbelief in God's plan of redemption for man will send whoever does not believe into hell (John 3:18, 36). This is something of a regret to God. It is a temptation for Him because He wouldn't love anyone to perish.
How else do we tempt God? There have been stories of those who occupy themselves setting dates for Christ's return and so became slothful in their business or study. Some totally abandoned their studies and have missed God's plans for their lives coming to fulfillment or where it eventually did, it got delayed.
There have been stories of students who spend the large part of their time, under lock, praying for success in their examinations without studying. They have failed woefully. God is not a magician. But He will bring into anyone's (Christian) remembrance, what he/she has read on the day of the examination. He will even give us the understanding of what we are reading and will direct our minds to read or revise those areas that will be asked in the examination. He will prevent us from making mistakes during the examination and will prevent the examiners from being unfair to us or make mistakes as they assess our scripts.
We have heard those who say that they will delay their spiritual obligations till after they finish their studies. This is also tempting (provoking) God. They are relying on their ability for their success, whereas God wants us to do just our own part and leave the rest to Him; to depend on Him totally.
We have witnessed those who treat their studies or jobs with levity or even abandon them totally for full time gospel work without doing their homework properly. Jesus warned "And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise he might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh. "See that fellow there? They would mock. 'He started that building and ran out of money before it was finished'" (Luke 14:27-30).
To preach the gospel is a task assigned to every Christian (Matt 28:18-20). No Christian needs any other special call to preach. However, many have remained in their secular jobs and have been effective witnesses for God.
But to enter into full time Ministry, I believe needs "planning" and 'sitting down first to count the cost". A lot of people have claimed that they heard God speak to them to abandon their secular job for full time gospel work. I do not deny it neither do I ever disbelieve such claims. But I doubt if God will ever tell them that they will become millionaires through it. They can, but I do not believe that to become a millionaire is any of the reasons why God calls anyone. The Lord warns "But don't begin until you count the cost" (Lk. 14:28). The problem with many people who make such claims as "God calls me" is that they are hardly prepared "to carry their cross" (Lk 14:27) i.e. they are hardly prepared to make any sacrifice for their decision or their calling. As soon as they get on to the job, they want to drive the latest model of automobile. They want to live high. This is tempting God.
It is my believe that it is a righteous desire or decision to go into the full time ministry. But I also believe that one must sit down with his spouse to count the cost. And if the journey becomes rough a little bit for sometime, I believe God will be most pleased if there is no grumbling. To grumble will amount to "tempting God".
There are ministers who do not study the Scripture as seriously as they ought to. In effect, their sermons lack substance. They do not pray enough for their congregation. They do not even know the abode of 90% of members of their congregation except those of the treasurer and the financial secretary. They do not have programmes for evangelism, yet they desire a big congregation and want to live in luxury. This also, is 'Tempting God.
