For the last three months, I have been writing a new column on Patheos.com. I plan out my posts in advance. Recently, God interrupted my plans for the column, I intended to go in one direction, but God led me in another.
I’ve spent most of this year looking at the ways God leads us, but I am also reminded of the ways God uses us. We must remember that the ways of Yahweh are not the ways of this world—His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8).
God knows best; His ways are just. He can be trusted above all others, including us. He is our Lord and we are only His servants who wait for Him to lead us. Each of the New Testament writers described themselves as slaves of God.
In today’s world slaves have a bad connotation, however biblically; servanthood has lots of benefits. The Master cares for His servants; He knows what’s best for those under His control. He protects what He has purchased.
We are called to obey Him out of love, not fear (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 119:105, John 14:15). We are called to humble ourselves and rely on Him over and over again (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Servants don’t tell the Master how they work or when. Servants listen and obey even when it doesn’t make them happy; I’m gonna live for God. God has a specific purpose and plan for each of us; we do not get to tell Him how He can use us. He knows what’s best for His children.
When I was in my 20s, I pursued my berzerk dreams of modeling and wanted to “glorify” God through it. I even made CDs of Christian music to walk the runway. It took me until my mid-30s to realize it wasn’t God’s plan and I am better for it. I don’t have to wonder what if, I can watch where God is working and join Him.
In the Old Testament, King David desired to build a temple to God to worship Him. Surely that would please God and was part of His plan. But, God said no and allowed David’s son Solomon to build the temple (1 Chron. 17:4, 2 Samuel 7:11-16).
We are called to surrender our lives totally to God. He is both our Lord and Master or we don’t serve Him. I’m amazed by how many Christians refuse to let go every time.
There is a reason why Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd (John10:11,) because sheep are stupid and get into trouble. Sheep must let go of their selfish nature and follow the Shepherd.
The Shepherd knows the best way for the sheep to go; He cares for them and protects them from themselves and the pandemonium of the world. Our Jewish stepfathers understood how foolish the plans of man are.
The Jewish Pharisee turned apostle, Paul, reminds us we are God’s masterpieces created to do God’s will, not ours (Ephesians 2:10). Paul explained God arranges His church how He intends for it to work.
God has given each of us specific gifts and talents from the Holy Spirit to be used for God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 12:26-30). We don’t get to tell God how we want to use our priceless gifts, if we serve Him we will stop running after temporary pleasures of the day. God is not glorified by our earthly success, He is glorified when we love and obey Him with every heartbeat.
Jesus is the head of the church, even He declared that He didn’t come to be served but to serve God and others (Matthew 20:28). Jesus glorified God by doing God’s work and that is why we must serve Him (John 17:4).
2 Comments
God does call us to surrender to Him and not to ourselves or what others think of us or want us to do. Great post!
Great encouragement here, Martin!