Is Jesus The Reason You Do What You Do?

My Utmost For His Highest

“God’s purpose is never the same as man’s purpose.[…] The call of God can never be understood absolutely or explained externally; it is a call that can only be perceived and understood internally by our true inner-nature. The call of God is like the call of the sea— no one hears it except the person who has the nature of the sea in him. […] The things that happen do not happen by chance— they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes. If we are in fellowship and oneness with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, then we will no longer strive to find out what His purposes are. As we grow in the Christian life, it becomes simpler to us, because we are less inclined to say, “I wonder why God allowed this or that?” And we begin to see that the compelling purpose of God lies behind everything in life, and that God is divinely shaping us into oneness with that purpose. A Christian is someone who trusts in the knowledge and the wisdom of God, not in his own abilities. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the calm, relaxed pace which should be characteristic of the children of God.” CHAMBERS

I have had the opportunity to observe many Christians over the years as they serve in some capacity.  We have asked many Christians to serve with us while we have been on the mission field.  Many churches have asked their members to go and serve.  Many have responded, but some for the wrong reasons.  I believe that even for short term missions, a person must be called .. prompted by the Spirit … to go.  The reason a person serves should not be because it is convenient or affordable.  They should be compelled by God.  All too often we forget that what we do is spiritual … and doing things in and through the local church can become nothing more than good deeds …. (Revelation 2:2-4) “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first”  Jesus must be at the heart of whatever we do.  He must be the reason for what we do.  Not because we think it might be “fun” or interesting.  What we do must be powered by the Spirit of God, not by our flesh.

I once told a group of people in Haiti that if they were in Haiti and God had not called them to be there, then they should go home.  My words were not well received, but truth is often received as a bitter drink.  So my point to you .. check your motivation on everything you do.  If Jesus is not the root … there is something wrong.  Think about it. ELGIN

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)