What Makes Your Work Most Valuable in the Church, by Zeke Lam

 
One day when I was explaining to my daughter why the Third Day song, Surrender, made me cry, she asked me what the word meant. I had to explain it’s origin and how it is used in terms of battles—it’s usually a bad thing … unless the One you are surrendering too is greater, more powerful than yourself, and loves you more than you can imagine. Then, surrender is a good thing. The same is true for the word "submission." 


Zeke Lam is the author of the book, subMISSION: heeding only His voice. He has graciously agreed to visit LBOC today to tell us how obedience to God’s call for you and working in unity with the body of Christ will make your work most valuable.


… And don’t forget to check out the information below about his new book. It promises to be a most inspiring read!

 
The Body of Christ

The body of Christ, also known as the Church, is the common expression given to those who have been transformed by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. It represents power, authority, love, and a measure of unity that can only exist through Christ. In terms of importance, there is not an institution on the face of this earth that can be considered its equal. Why? It is an expression of the very character of our Savior, and He gave His life for her!

Paul spoke frequently about the body of Christ. He emphasized the importance of the Church operating as a true body. In other words, each member understanding that he/she is essential although possessing differing gifts, talents, and roles. I Corinthians 12: 12-26 paints a beautiful picture of the importance of a properly functioning body. Similar to the human body, it is made of many different members, all of which play a critical role in its overall success.

The human body is set up in such a way that each part, regardless of how glorious it is, remains essential to the overall unity of the whole. Unity is not a struggle when each member’s focus is not on themselves. Consider verse 25 of I Corinthians 12 in light of this statement. Paul writes: “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”

Division in the body of Christ is perhaps one of the most devastating plagues infecting the Church today. God creates each individual with a specific purpose and function through which He can be glorified. For some it is pastoring. For some it is missions. For some it is parenting. For some it is business. For some it is volunteering. While some callings and gifts appear from the eye of man as more glorious than others, God only sees one thing. Will we be obedient to the calling and purpose He has for our lives? Whether on a big stage or in a mountain jungle, what makes you and I an effective member of the body of Christ is our willingness to assume the role He ordained for us.

When we take our eyes off ourselves and place them on Christ, we can remain in a condition as a member of His body to do our part to see Him glorified. If you have received Him as your Savior, you are His beloved bride. He will cherish and love you like none other.

Consider this question as you and I think about the parts we play in His Kingdom work, and our faithfulness to it. “If you ceased to exist today, would the body miss you?”

Never forget how valuable you are to the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rank or title does not apply. The only thing that counts is obedience! If He created you to be an “ear”, and you spend your life as a “head”, then despite being one of the more crucial members, you have failed. An effective, Kingdom minded member is one who steadfastly obeys God’s purpose for his/her life.

LBOC Would love for readers to leave a comment about how God called you to do something you once thought was crazy, but were blessed enough to see its fruit ...
 
Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas
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What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge:  submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.
Ø  Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
Ø  Is the presence of God evident in your life?
Ø  Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
Ø  Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
Ø  Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?
Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
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ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.
3.  ISBN-13                  978-1-9374-8100-1
4.  ISBN-10                  1-9374-8100-X
5. Author website
http://submissionministries.org/

If you'd like to see a great interview with Zeke and learn more about the writing of his book, visit the blog Peering Through Life's Window.