Monday Challenge

Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27-28).

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Father glorify your name!

You have purpose. I have purpose. Yes siree. For every sermon you heard that says God has great plans for you, you can bank on that truth. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For you are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for you to do". You, my friend, have gifts, talents, and resources that were placed in you and your hands for Kingdom purposes. It's true and good. Don't waste a single gift or second of time.

But will you let me step out on a limb here and ask a question? (Another question)

How much of our Kingdom purpose is simply to glorify God?

Ummmm all of it? I think sometimes we confuse the talents and gifts we have for talents and gifts given to us by God for our on promotion. Not that we would ever say it. We know the Sunday school answer that everything is for His glory. Yet, we work for own success and well being. There is nothing wrong with success, with goals, with ambition, but what is our motive? Life is short- temporary- as a vapor. Not for our own glory, but for His. The God of this universe, our creator, has given us an opportunity to join in His Kingdom work- to bring Him glory, which should be a treat for us. Yet, we feel like we got the short end of the stick. We ask: What about us? Can we live for ourselves at least a little? Sometime? In some things?

It hurts to die to self, right?

Can I ask another question? (As if I haven't asked enough already)

How often do the things we do for God actually come from pure motives of glorifying His name?

Have we fallen into a trap of self-promotion? Are we blind to self-centeredness? I commend you for the things you do for the Lord. We need passionate people using there God-given resources to build the Kingdom of God. People, using their unique selves, who will go into the trenches, into their offices, overseas, and into their neighborhoods exclaiming the Gospel. It's a beautiful thing. But we have missed the boat, if our "works" are for anything less than His glory.

These are questions I'm wrestling with. I'm no expert, but I have to wonder how we, as American Christians, are doing at this.  Let's not forget that we would not exist, like we would literally not be here, except for His will. Will you join me in checking your motives?

Enjoy your Monday!

In His Name,

Jennifer

 Side Note: I'm reading Radical. (Can you tell?) I've been avoiding the book, only because I hate jumping on banwagons. You can be sure I always read the popular stuff six months to a year after it was "all the rage". Anywho, I'm only a few chapters in, but it has been challenging this girl. Have you read it?