Are You Open?

by David Shannon

When playing backyard football as a teenager and college student it wouldn't have been uncommon for a receiver to run back to the huddle persuading his quarterback with the words, "I am open, you have to hit me down the line, I am wide open every time!" If you have been there you know the situation and the feelings that evokes in your memory.
God wants the saved to live pure lives and be "zealous of good works" ( Titus 2:14). Zealous is defined as "active, devoted, and diligent." Our appreciation for His gift of salvation is a life that is active in His righteousness. We can't be saved and be noncommittal, inactive, indecisive, or lazy. Do you run back to the huddle each day to say to God, "I'm open Lord." Do you say, "I am open to your will, your work, your wisdom, your open doors of opportunity."
Paul had much to say to the brethren of Corinth about this openness. We will develop this in weeks to come in a few sermons. But be thinking about Paul usage of the word "open."
Second Corinthians 6:11 "O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open."

Are you open to speaking honestly to people about their lives, their souls, and their choices? Notice Paul's wisdom, he immediately reminds them of the abounding love for them as he says, "our heart is wide open." Are you open to generosity of self, service, and heart? Until we open our hearts, not lip-service, but genuine sacrifice for others, we will not be open to sharing the words from God that convicts us of sin. Are you open to the mission to "open" others? You are your brothers keeper. You are to love your neighbor as yourself. The golden rule does apply to each of us. When we see others not open to God, we ought to be willing to try to "open" their hearts to the Lord. Paul wasn't satisfied that some at Corinth were still not open. So he opened his heart widely to them. Then he opened his mouth boldly to them.
Perhaps it is opinion, but I believe all people at sometime in their life will be open to learning more about God. At that moment they are most likely to turn to godly people who have been open with their love to them throughout the years. Jesus washed feet then spoke of love ( John 13:34). Later these same men were open to dying for Him. Let's open our hearts so when the time comes others will be open to our open (honest) words. It's 2010, are you saying to God, "I'm open!"

January 10, 2010



Are You Open? by David Shannon When playing backyard football as a teenager and college student it wouldn't have been uncommon for a receiver to run back to the huddle persuading his quarterback with the words, "I am open, you have to hit me down the line, I am wide open every time!" If you have been there you know the situation and the feelings that evokes in your memory. God wants the saved to live pure lives and be "zealous of good works" ( Titus 2:14). Zealous is defined as "active, devoted, and diligent." Our appreciation for His gift of salvation is a life that is active in His righteousness. We can't be saved and be noncommittal, inactive, indecisive, or lazy. Do you run back to the huddle each day to say to God, "I'm open Lord." Do you say, "I am open to your will, your work, your wisdom, your open doors of opportunity." Paul had much to say to the brethren of Corinth about this openness. We will develop this in weeks to come in a few sermons. But be thinking about Paul usage of the word "open." Second Corinthians 6:11 "O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open." Are you open to speaking honestly to people about their lives, their souls, and their choices? Notice Paul's wisdom, he immediately reminds them of the abounding love for them as he says, "our heart is wide open." Are you open to generosity of self, service, and heart? Until we open our hearts, not lip-service, but genuine sacrifice for others, we will not be open to sharing the words from God that convicts us of sin. Are you open to the mission to "open" others? You are your brothers keeper. You are to love your neighbor as yourself. The golden rule does apply to each of us. When we see others not open to God, we ought to be willing to try to "open" their hearts to the Lord. Paul wasn't satisfied that some at Corinth were still not open. So he opened his heart widely to them. Then he opened his mouth boldly to them. Perhaps it is opinion, but I believe all people at sometime in their life will be open to learning more about God. At that moment they are most likely to turn to godly people who have been open with their love to them throughout the years. Jesus washed feet then spoke of love ( John 13:34). Later these same men were open to dying for Him. Let's open our hearts so when the time comes others will be open to our open (honest) words. It's 2010, are you saying to God, "I'm open!" January 10, 2010	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM