Often times I hear people say they want God to use them for good works, there is nothing wrong with this. This is the very purpose to why we are saved and created, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. " Ephesians 2:10. My problem is not our wanting God to use His children, but my problem is the motivation that many people have when they want God to use them. Too often people pray asking God to use them that they may find purpose or worth in who they are or people getting a sense of worth when someone tells them "God is going to use you", when this is COMPLETELY wrong. Please don't think I'm slamming you for this, but I want to encourage you that there is a different and much better way in finding our worth and purpose.
One thing I have been learning lately is that "we do NOT find our worth in how much God uses us, but our worth is found in who God is." please take note of this!
As humans we want to be used and do something, and there is nothing wrong with that, but this has nothing to do with our worth. Our worth is simply found in the fact that we are created in the Image of God. That's it! Take hold of this please because this has brought me-someone who doesn't feel like God has used him much-so much comfort.
Again, I'm not asking that we shouldn't pray "God use us" because I do think we should, I pray this myself, but it is only to better and further His kingdom. I am asking you to pray "God, let me not seek works to find worth, but let me seek You to find my worth and purpose" and I believe because of this, when we are secure with our worth, we can be that much more effective for His kingdom! In the words of John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" and I am learning to believe this more and more. Seek Him for recognition of your worth (because you do have worth whether you realize it or not), and out of that I believe you can do a good work because you are satisfied in Him.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Good exhortations, Nick. If in Christ, we are all children of the Most High and so our worth is found in Christ within us, on account of his provision for us..not on the good works that should merely flow from our love and gratitude to him for making us his children.
ReplyDeleteBrad
Thank you very much! I completely agree with you! 100%
ReplyDelete