When I was way younger (just yesterday I think) I once heard someone make a statement which has stuck with me:
We have been saved to serve, not saved to sit.
We might not say it that way these days, but we still say basically the same thing:
We are not designed to be consumers, but instruments.
You will probably find multiple variations I’m sure, but in essence they say the same thing. You see, God’s plan is to make His invisible presence and His invisible grace visible. He wants us to flesh out, to incarnate if I may use that word, His good news in Jesus to others. Let’s ask a quick question: How else will people see if not for us? God’s call to every one of His followers is to be a light on a hill (Mt.5:14-16; Luke 8: 16-17). In fact, He tells us a light is to never be hidden.
Let’s take it a step further: when God blesses us or gives us a gift, it was never intended we keep that to ourselves. We were never meant to hoard what He has given- whether it be a lesson learned in a trial or a test, a gift, a talent, or something as “earthy” as money. It has always been His intention that we use it to serve Him. How can we keep the greatest story on earth to ourselves?
“Father, You have chosen me for Your use. I am to be Your vessel, Your instrument. Help me not to balk but to give in and submit to Your will.”
Wow, Bill! Did God use you this morning to speak to me! I basically had decided – after about 40 years of writing newsletters then turning my writing into blogging – not to write anymore. My writing has ALWAYS been about sharing the extraordinary God we serve and His Goodness. Although I know of no one who has gotten saved from reading me, I do a few over the years have looked at God in a new light and helped them understand what it cost Jesus to take our sins upon Himself. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for speaking to me through Pastor Bill this morning. I hear You.
That makes my heart happy Diane to hear that. I’m glad to be used.
And I’m sure He uses you in ways you will never know, due to your faithfulness!
Thx Diane. I know you are trying to be faithful also
Bill, What you say definitely resonates. Other than a few short periods where we were moving or looking for a church to attend, I have been involved using the skills God has given me to do some level of ministry.
Whether it be website work (which is on the edge of my skillset), playing base (which is on the other edge), working a sound board, preparing slides, music, lights, sound, stream, teaching… The point you make is spot on – without God I am nothing. Without God, my skills, abilities, talents, and resources are wasted. God didn’t create us to be placed on a shelf and admired.
That is a great comment Ryan and since I know you I know you are speaking truth. I have always appreciated your servant spirit
Yes, Bill, we should never keep our gifts and talents to ourselves. Like Diane, I don’t know if my blogs have convinced anyone to follow Jesus, but who knows? It could happen one day, or maybe it already has.
Blessings!
The thing that always gets me Martha is how God doors something and uses me when I don’t even know it.
Gee… such a gentle way of slapping me i the face. Good job! 😀
Consider it a divine slap? LOL