"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord." - Jeremiah 9:23-24
What accomplishments are you most proud of? The world will praise you for being penny-wise. It will lift you up as a hero if you prove your athletic prowess. Or if you are wise in the eyes of man you will be revered. But that is the world's measure of significance. What man can make of himself. Ever heard of the term - "Self-made man'? And oh, how we all yearn for significance and recognition in this life. To know that we have value. But the Lord has a different measure?
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
One the one hand, the natural man focuses on himself and his accomplishments. On the other, as Christians, we are to focus on God and what He has accomplished and is accomplishing through us. God wants us to walk and live with an understanding that we are merely the clay, and He is the potter. (Jeremiah 18:5-6)
I recently had the occasion to enumerate the significant events in my life - Milestones or spiritual markers, if you will. As I read through them, I was keenly aware that apart from God's provision - I have accomplished nothing of note. All that I am. All that I hope to be, can be sourced back to God the Father. The only credit I might take is saying "yes" to God as He has used this "jar of clay" for His glory.
We have all been called to ministry. "Ministry is an area of service in which you use your gifts, talents, and abilities to glorify God and edify the body of Christ." - Peter Finch, Elder McGregor Baptist Church, Ft. Myers, FL.
In the Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren used the acrostic "SHAPE" to describe how God prepares us for His purposes. S - Spiritual gifts. H - Heart or passion. A - abilities. P - Personality. And E - Experiences. God shapes each one of us for the ministry that He has in mind for us.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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