Jesus Is Calling Gifted Nobodies
Jesus is calling people who could compete in the corporate rat race (and win) — but either choose not to so that they can share the gospel with the neediest in Thailand or choose yes so that by excelling in their profession they can give gobs of money away for God's global cause (something their co-workers wouldn't understand). I believe that Jesus Christ is calling for well-trained, well-educated, godly, capable, wise, talented nobodies.I found an article from the Desiring God blog of John Piper and wished I would've read this a year ago! As a school counselor, one of my main jobs is to encourage students to continue on to higher education. Stats show that the person who has received any type of higher education makes $100,000 more than someone with just a high school diploma, on average, in a lifetime. Interesting to me that my mother-in-law made just as much as I did at my former school district, and she works in a Kawasaki factory. Seems like the statement I've been making for so long, may not necessarily be true, or as everything in psychology and science, there are exceptions to the rule. Sometimes I wonder if "scare tactics" are used to force people to make these decisions. I know there is some truth behind this statement, but my question always has been what is a lifetime?
Anyway, that was a tangent. This past school year I had the top student in the senior class tell me that she was looking at taking some bible courses from a non-accredited school and help her dad with his church building work. My worldly self said, "Wow! What a waste of an intelligent, talented, hardworking student!" Knowing full well she could get scholarships from most any school and probably have minimal loans. However, the Christian in me was completely humbled! She had a heart to serve God regardless of what society said she should do! It made me question, for a moment, if what I was "preaching" to these kids was truth. It also made me reflect on my choices of education and the choices I have made since.
A number of months later, I was faced with the concerns that I wrote about on the 23rd and found out that I had allowed my job to become my identity. I was appalled and angered that I turned from making God #1 to making myself #1.
Going back to the statement at the beginning of this blog, "God wants the Nobodies". Do we teach this to our children in churches? Do we really explain to them that God has called us to be set apart and that also means that all we do is not for our glory, but for His. It may mean that we won't have the big house with the white picket fence. We may not have the newest car and money to travel whenever and wherever we want. The truth is, we should NOT strive for these things, but leave it up to the Lord and remember that our great riches are in heaven with the Lord.
I've lost focus of Him being the guide in my life and my job, career, education and standard of living This is all for His glory. This summer I have found myself pondering things I could be involved in that could make a "difference" in the community and help us become part of the community, In truth, I was still seeking opportunities for approval from others and personal gain. I wanted people to look at me and say, "Wow! That Melinda is a great girl! Look at her. Despite all she is getting out there and making something of herself in the community."
Daily I am turning my life over to God and asking Him to lead my actions, behaviors and thoughts that I might glorify Him and not myself. I've worried so much about me for so long, it's hard to break the habit. So, my prayer is that God will show me the way and daily humble me that I might serve Him with all my heart, mind, and soul.
A passage in the bible, Matthew 23, tells the people to listen to the pharisees and leaders, but not to do what they do as they live hypocritically and look to glorify themselves. Read this passage and heed the warning against self-centeredness and self-praise.
God bless!
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