Maybe that's why.
Sigh.
Lord, I just want to be completely empty of self. The way I always seek for recognition through my own works (be it writing, speaking, music, accomplishments, the list is too long) is appalling. How can I, why should I, when You are the only audience that matters?
That really matters, that is?
Of course we should cater our delivery to the people who will receive it, without compromising the message. But ultimately, we are not doing it for them.
We are doing it for You.
Why am I so slow to remember?
One thing You have been teaching me is that the work of saving souls is not mine.
It's not even ours as a people.
It's Yours, and You are the one who has chosen to use us in Your work. You've even gone so far as to limit Yourself to working through failing human agencies, giving us a place with the angels in Your redemptive plan! But the work is not ours, nor does it depend on us entirely. Otherwise, no one would be saved. Because we fail over and over in transparently expressing the message of Your love to
One thing You have been teaching me is that the work of saving souls is not mine.
It's not even ours as a people.
It's Yours, and You are the one who has chosen to use us in Your work. You've even gone so far as to limit Yourself to working through failing human agencies, giving us a place with the angels in Your redemptive plan! But the work is not ours, nor does it depend on us entirely. Otherwise, no one would be saved. Because we fail over and over in transparently expressing the message of Your love to
others. We get tripped by our own illusions of our abilities and talents. As if they were ours! And we end up falling on our faces and bringing dishonor upon You and Your message.
Yet You patiently work through it all, in spite of our blunderings and mistakes, and even through our greatest weaknesses. You said it once, "My grace is sufficient for you, and my strength is made perfect in weakness." I never cease to be amazed at Your grace. For our sake and theirs, You still use humanity to save humanity. Because of the weakness of your vessels, Your strength is made perfect -- Your strength is seen to be the only reason any effort for good ever works.
This is Your work, not mine. I'm so grateful that You have chosen me to take part in it. You want me to, and You say You need me to. In spite of my weaknesses and incapabilities. Amazing grace! The honor You freely give far exceeds any applause we might receive from people. Why should we strive for recognition any longer?
Who am I living for? Who am I writing my blog for, who am I preaching for, who am I playing and writing music for...
Who am I for? For the world? Or for God?
It is the motive that counts. And it is You who matters.
Lord, I want to be all-out...
For You.
This is Your work, not mine. I'm so grateful that You have chosen me to take part in it. You want me to, and You say You need me to. In spite of my weaknesses and incapabilities. Amazing grace! The honor You freely give far exceeds any applause we might receive from people. Why should we strive for recognition any longer?
Who am I living for? Who am I writing my blog for, who am I preaching for, who am I playing and writing music for...
Who am I for? For the world? Or for God?
It is the motive that counts. And it is You who matters.
Lord, I want to be all-out...
For You.
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