Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
Far too many in the church today are confused about the person God uses to expand the cause of His kingdom. Satan, the accuser, is in the business of convincing Christians that they are disqualified from serving God, by any means necessary. He will call our attention to our loose language, tainted thoughts, disgraceful deeds, and despicable desires. And when he has done his work, many believers believe they are no use to God. NONESENSE!
God is looking for our SELFLESSNESS not our SINLESSNESS. God knows that even after our conversion to Christ, we are still sinners by nature and by habit. To be sure, we are new creations in Christ, having been brought into the life-long process of growing up into Christ. The same grace that saves us also sanctifies us. But sin will shadow our steps all the way into glory. What God is looking for is those who will be selfless even in their sinfulness. And we all can point to countless stories in sacred Scripture to show this truth. Here are just two of them.
But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. Exodus 32:32
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people. Romans 9:3
In his sold-out selflessness, Moses was ready and willing that God would blot him out of the book of life for the sake of his people Israel. In his sold-out selflessness, the apostle Paul was ready and willing that God would curse him for the sake of his people Israel. Together, the selflessness of both Moses and Paul is as shocking as it is supernatural. This could never be done in the flesh. Only in God’s strength could these two giants of the faith be willing to give completely of themselves for the good of others. Both men knew that God was not looking for their sinlessness, but rather, their selflessness. And that is exactly what God is looking for from you!
So, regardless of where this finds you today, regardless of your past record of falling short of God’s will in your life, are you ready and willing that God would use you for His glory and the good of others? Remember, selflessness can only be done in God’s strength. By nature, even in our new nature, we are still way too sinful and self-absorbed. But when we shift our focus away from the self and put it on our Savior, selflessness grows in our lives and we begin being the blessing in the lives of others God has called us to be. Remember, SELFLESSNESS not SINLESSNESS is what God is looking for from you.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 