"If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on him, and he will make use of you every minute you live--yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of him." -Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Came across this quote today in a book I'm reading (Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson). I love it. It sums up so much of what I feel God has taught me over the years. That if we want to be a difference maker, if we want to be used, our greatest efforts should be on cultivating our relationship with Jesus.
Sure our own talents, efforts, abilities, and plans can do some good. A lot of good. But I believe these things have limitations in their impact when they are separated from a life of discipleship. When the starting point is a heart that is closely connected and ruthlessly pursuing God; these talents, efforts, abilities, and plans take on an effectiveness that is undefinable but clearly recognizable. And like Chambers said, I suspect the one being used is often quite unaware of his or her impact.
I had a tremendous opportunity this past week to share similar thoughts to these at Willow Creek's Conspire Conference. Here's a picture of me teaching on their stage (very fun!). They invited me to give the talk at the closing main session and I got to share from my heart that the greatest thing I believe we can give to those who are serving is a heart that is closely connected to God.
There is a strange thing about speaking to a room of about 1500 people. You really have no idea what is happening in their hearts and minds as you talk. But my prayer leading up to the conference was that I would be able to do my best for God and that he in turn would do whatever he wanted with the words. I am satisfied feeling like I gave it my best. But I also secretly hope that God was able to use it to do things I'll never know about. I hope I am practicing what I preach. Because I really do want to be used of him.
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