Bossing God Around
A nine year old boy was given a full grown St. Bernard for Christmas. Viewing his present with extreme delight and wonder, he exclaimed, “Wow!!! That’s great!!! But is he mine – or am I his?”
Now, that’s a great question for every Christian: Is Jesus mine – or am I His?
The answer ought to be “Yes!”
It is certainly a wonderful fact that Christ is a friend like no other. He meets our needs. He satisfies our deepest longings. He is a present help in the hour of trouble. He is the one who steps in when the rest of the world steps out.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! He is my Savior, my Deliverer, my Joy, and my Strength!
We must never forget, however, who we are and who God is. We don’t “own” Him.
George Barna, conducting recent research of American evangelical churches concluded that there is a deep-rooted self centeredness at the core of our religious expressions. A “consumer mind set” prevails across the board – “I’m involved with church for what I get out of it.” What’s in it for me? No wonder religion seems so empty.
I’ve had well meaning friends tell me how they boss God around when they pray: “God, I need this and that. You really have to come through for me here. I’m counting on you and you had better not let me down!”
There’s something wrong with this picture.
We need God – but He doesn’t need us.
He is willing to help and strengthen us – but we don’t have the right to give him orders.
Now, that’s a great question for every Christian: Is Jesus mine – or am I His?
The answer ought to be “Yes!”
It is certainly a wonderful fact that Christ is a friend like no other. He meets our needs. He satisfies our deepest longings. He is a present help in the hour of trouble. He is the one who steps in when the rest of the world steps out.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! He is my Savior, my Deliverer, my Joy, and my Strength!
We must never forget, however, who we are and who God is. We don’t “own” Him.
George Barna, conducting recent research of American evangelical churches concluded that there is a deep-rooted self centeredness at the core of our religious expressions. A “consumer mind set” prevails across the board – “I’m involved with church for what I get out of it.” What’s in it for me? No wonder religion seems so empty.
I’ve had well meaning friends tell me how they boss God around when they pray: “God, I need this and that. You really have to come through for me here. I’m counting on you and you had better not let me down!”
There’s something wrong with this picture.
We need God – but He doesn’t need us.
He is willing to help and strengthen us – but we don’t have the right to give him orders.
"there is a deep-rooted self centeredness at the core of our religious expressions. A “consumer mind set” prevails across the board – “I’m involved with church for what I get out of it.” What’s in it for me? No wonder religion seems so empty."
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful description of so many church members. They totally forget why they are attending church. The church owes them for all they have done for the church.
Amen Anonymous!
ReplyDelete