I feel burdened to reach the lost for Christ. I feel as if I always should be doing more. When compared to others, I seem to do much more than most of those who claim to be Christians. However, it is not of my own effort. Some of the things that I have grown to realize and come to trust are the following.
1. Living for the glory of God is more important than doing for the glory of God.
The main goal is not to work myself to death in ministry, but to grow closer and closer to God. I don't need to be a Christian superstar, I need to be like Jesus Christ. The church activities, the vacation bible schools, the sunday schools, the youth activities are all minor things compared to my personal relationship to Christ. I need to be constantly examining myself and growing in conformity to Jesus Christ.
2. The small things matter. The Bible reading, the time in prayer, the kind words I speak, the time spent with my lil' cousin are all very important.
I will become physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted if I am always seeking to do the big things. I have noticed recently how much my time spent in Prayer and Bible reading effects my life. I am more at peace when I spend more time with God. Recently, I have begun to recognize my priorities in life. I have grown to value my time with my lil' cousin more than anything else. I am beginning to realize more and more how my life when fully submitted to God can impact his own life. But, it isn't me. It's God being gracious enough to use little ol' me.
3. My talents are worthless. God's grace is what matters.
Sometimes I feel as if I really don't impact others, because I don't have some outstanding talent. I sometimes think that perhaps if I could sing or rap or write, then more people would be impacted by what I say. While I don't want any glory for myself, I still think that I could impact more people for Christ if I had some outrageous talent. But, God says otherwise. Talent will not save anyone whom God does not use it to save. Salvation is of the Lord. It is God and His grace that I should trust in to impact others, not my own talents.
4. Believing in Christ is not just a one time decision.
I must believe in Christ for my finances, my jobs, my family, my friends, my happiness, my life, everything! Now, I am not some Joel Osteen follower who would dare to believe in God for a 'Mercedes Benz' or anything like that. But, what I am speaking of is fully trusting in Christ for everything. I can not trust in myself for anything. I must deny myself and kill my flesh daily. In addition I must turn my trust to Christ daily to provide for all my needs. He is able. He cares for the birds.
Prayer: God help me to be less so that you can use me more. I don't want glory. I don't want fame. My main desire is to glorify you. If I falter and that does not remain my main desire, please humble me until it is. I want to be like Christ. I don't care to be a superstar. Lord, all I ask is that you would be gracious enough to use me. Soli Deo Gloria.
+ Jakab +
