We get discouraged easily. When we confront texts in the Bible that encourage us to witness, teach, be a light, be salt, etc… — we feel pangs of guilt and are easily discouraged. This is especially true when we start to compare ourselves with others. I came across these two quotes this morning which I have stored in my folder for several years. Allow me to share a few with you along with some comments.
“Would be disciples of modern times need to be reminded that education, talent, and charisma have relatively little value in the kingdom. These qualities are indeed helpful to posses, but without the inner dynamic energy of the Spirit of Jesus, they are useless when it comes to doing work with an eternal purpose.” Gordon Macdonald “Questions I’d Ask Before Following Jesus” Discipleship Journal
Do you remember the prophet Samuel looking for a new king to replace Saul? In his mind, he saw brothers with great potential, but God looks somewhere else. The heart. Oh, I would love to have education, talent and charisma – but God desires something else. Passion, commitment and trust. It is through a willing heart, that we can be lead and empowered to carry out God’s will – not our own. Because, when we start to follow our own will – then it’s funny how talent, charisma and education can be our worst enemies.
“Jesus warned His disciples that they would be treated as nobodies; He never said they would be brilliant or marvelous. We all have a lurking desire to be exhibitions for God, to be put, as it were, in His show room. Jesus does not want us to be specimens. He wants us to be so taken up with Him that we never think about ourselves, and the only impression left on others by our life is that Jesus Christ is having unhindered way.” Oswald Chambers, So Send I You
I admit that I have a desire to be placed in God’s showroom. I tend to measure success in the world’s eyes, and not the definitions of success found in the Bible. Because whenever I read Scriptures, the emphasis is on a de-emphasis of self. Paul had to be weak until made strong. It’s not a depressed feeling, that considers myself worthless and unusable by God. It’s a surrender to God’s will and purpose – no matter what circumstances may surround me. Basically, it’s taking off those clothes soiled by self and putting on the robe of Christ. Upon doing so, we shake our heads in disbelief asking, “Why was I keeping those stinking clothes on?” Walking in the Spirit is shedding those clothes, taking a bath, and steeping out renewed and refreshed.