Serving God or Seeing God?

Serving God or Seeing God?
By John Woodward
November 9, 1998

Have you ever, "put your foot in your mouth"? I remember years ago complimenting a gospel singer on my favorite song she sang on a record album (yes, this dates the story) and she replied that the soloist of the song I mentioned was not her, but another singer! I stammered and tried to divert attention from my blunder. As I reflect on that incident, I wonder how the singer later reacted to my botched compliment. (If she wrapped her self worth in the praise of others, she might have been depressed. However, if her goal was to glorify God in her music, and she was secure in her identity in Christ, she could brush off the comment for the blooper it was.)

It seems I am not alone in this "foot in mouth" syndrome. Remember the apostle Peter's offer to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration? Jesus was praying while His three closest disciples took a nap. Then Jesus was transfigured and shone with the glory of heaven. Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Christ, speaking of His approaching sacrificial death (Greek- "exodus"). Peter and the others awoke from their slumber, and as the two Old Testament heroes were leaving he blurted out " 'Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah' --not knowing what he said." (Luke 9:33). The need of the moment was not for building, but for beholding: "While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!' "(Luke 9:34,35).

Do we also get preoccupied with what we want to do FOR God, rather than what God desires to do THROUGH us? Our first priority should be our ultimate purpose in life-- "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Confession).

Roy and Revel Hession discuss these vital issues in We Would See Jesus: "The Bible's answer to the question, 'What is the purpose of life?' is to know, and to love, and to walk with God; that is, to see God. . . Today, however, we do not hear much about the need to see God. . . instead of stressing holiness to SEE God, the emphasis is on service FOR God. We have come to think of the Christian life as consisting of serving God as fully and efficiently as we can . . . This does not mean that God does not want us engaged actively in His service. He does; but His purpose is often far different from what we think. Our service, in His mind, is to be far more the potter's wheel on which He can mold us than the achieving of those spectacular objectives on which we set our hearts. He sees a sharp point in our make-up that is continually wounding others. . . He therefore allows someone to come and work alongside us who will rub against that sharp point and round it off. . .But if we bow to what God has allowed, and repent of our sinful reactions, we will find that very situation has led us into a deeper experience of His grace and of His power to satisfy our hearts with Himself alone." (p. 10,11,15,16).

I confess that ministry tends to be my measure of significance, unless the Lord renews my mind with insights like those just quoted. The apostle Paul gives a balanced perspective on glorifying and serving God: "So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. . . For we are God's fellow workers. . ." (1 Cor 3:7,9).

As we abide in Christ our ministry with Christ will bear fruit for the glory of God. (c.f. John 15:5,8).

Our Father, forgive us for the times when we get ahead of Your best by impulsive self-driven service. Help us to be still and know that You are God. We rely upon Your grace to empower and direct us. In Christ we pray, amen.

JBW

Nov. 9, 1998

View Comments | Add Comment

Grace Fellowship is an international discipleship, counseling, and training training ministry. GFI does not charge for counseling, but is supported through tax deductible contributions. (In Canada, through http://www.CrossWaystoLife.org.) To request resources or inquire about hosting a conference, please contact us.

Grace Notes editor - Dr. John Woodward,
Grace Fellowship International.
President of GFI - Dr. Charles Solomon,
P.O. Box 368, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 USA. Phone: 865-429-0450.
Home page: http://www.GraceFellowshipIntl.com
International tracts: http://www.SolomonPublications.org
Distance Education: http://www.GFICounselingInstitute.com
John's book: http://www.BiblicalPsychology.net
Photos: http://www.KodakGallery.com/gfi
Children's Ministry: http://www.CarawaySt.com
GFI Bookstore: 1-888-66GRACE (toll free in USA)

Subscribe ...

Subscribe to receive Grace Notes for free!

You may also wish to read ....

Next article by date ...

All-Sufficient Grace by John Gill

Other suggested publications by John Woodward ...

Appropriating Christ As Life by John Woodward
The Cure For Apostasy Part 2 by John Woodward
Discoveries From Robinson Crusoe's Journal by John Woodward
A Survival Guide For the New Year by John Woodward
Identifying the Unpardonable Sin by John Woodward
Total Surrender by John Woodward