2006-09-26 - The Chicken and the Pig

Perhaps you've heard the story of the pig and chicken that came across some poor starving children. Moved by the sight of these weak children, the chicken said to the pig, "I have an idea! Let's give those children a nice breakfast of ham and eggs."

The pig contemplated the chicken's suggestion and said, "That's easy for you to say. You just have to make a contribution but I have to make a total commitment!"

Are you a contributing or committed Christian?

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul was committed. He gave his life. Here, nearing the end, Paul reflects on life. First, he looks forward towards his pending death for Christ and his departure from this life. He does not dwell on it because he considers this his "reasonable service". (Romans 12:1) As he looks backwards, he is proud of what he has done for God. He considers his work to be a good fight. He ran his race strong. Then, he concludes by looking upward to the day he meets his Lord and receives a crown for what he has been able to do for God.

This is the outlook of a committed Christian. He doesn't pine away with the what-ifs. What if I had done this? What if I had taken the time do that? What if I had only said this? His life was live to its fullest because he died daily to himself and lived it for the Lord. No life is fuller than a life lived for the Lord. No time is experienced better than when it is experienced with God.

Demas was contributing. Paul once spoke of Demas as a "fellow labourer" in Christ. Now in verse 10 of this chapter, Paul says, "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica." He was willing to do a part but he did not see the need in giving his all.

Look out at the world, see the many poor starving souls longing to dink the Living Water and taste the Bread of Life. In your story, will you be a Paul or Demas? A pig or a chicken?

IHFHBOH
Adam

adam@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted