Topic: HOW FAT ARE YOU? – By Dr. Jeff Schreve - From His Heart 10 March 2023

Topic: HOW FAT ARE YOU? – By Dr. Jeff Schreve – From His Heart 10 March 2023

HOW FAT ARE YOU?

I have a dear friend that I used to play racquetball with when I lived in Houston. He and I use to tease each other about putting on some pounds. One Christmas he got me a tee shirt that said, “I Beat Anorexia.” He thought it was hilarious. I had to admit, I thought it was pretty funny… and I had no appropriate comeback. He won the “weight war put-downs” with that gag gift.

Gaining weight is something we all seem to battle, especially as we get older. Obviously, God does not want us physically fat… but He does want us spiritually FAT. The question then is this: how FAT are you?

A GOOD ACRONYM

Early in my Christian life, a friend taught me the acronym F.A.T. He said God is looking for FAT disciples.

F stands for FAITHFUL – 1 Corinthians 4:2 reads, “Moreover it is required in stewards [managers] that a man be found faithful.” When I am faithful, God can trust me with assignments and responsibilities. I am not going to flake out on Him or go A.W.O.L. if the going gets tough.

Not only does it mean that God can trust me and count on me, but it also means that I trust God and count on Him. If I am faithful, I am full of faith and believe God enough to step out on His Word, regardless of the circumstances. The best way to become a person full of faith is to spend time in the Bible, reading and meditating on God’s wonderful track record of miracles and deliverance. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

A stands for AVAILABLE – The Lord asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). God is looking for volunteers, people who will say, “I am Yours, Lord. I am ready and willing to do Your will, whatever it may be.” Are you available to the Lord like that?

Interestingly, God never looks for ability. He does not call the equipped, He equips the called. Moses told God he could not speak well… and God said, “No problem. I can give you the ability to speak” (Exodus 4:10-12). As Adrian Rogers used to say, “The best ability is simple availability.”

T stands for TEACHABLE – It is really hard for God to work in a heart that does not easily and readily receive instruction (a hard-soiled or rocky-soiled heart). I often pray, “Lord give me a heart that is good soil so that your Word can penetrate and bear fruit in me thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.” God can teach a person wonderful lessons, even through a little child, if that person is open and teachable.

God is not only looking for those open to instruction, He is looking for those open to correction. You see, if I am truly teachable, you can point out deficiencies and blind spots in my life (speak the truth in love)… and I will listen and take those comments to heart. David prayed, “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it” (Psalm 141:5). If you and I truly want to grow strong in the Lord, we need people around us who will love us enough to tell us the truth and point out blind spots so that we can work on them… to the glory of God.

A PRAYER OF DETERMINATION

Would you determine in your heart to be a FAT disciple? Would you find a godly friend with whom you can give the green light to in your life so that he/she can provide “faithful wounds” and let you know where your blind spots are? Although it may hurt a little, you will be glad you did. Remember, the FATTER you become spiritually, the more God will be able to use you to make a difference in the world for Christ.

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