The Life God Uses

[Thompson, Darryl]

The Life God Uses 

     Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him
for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isa. 43:7.  

     Our life is the Lord's, and is invested with a responsibility that
we do not fully comprehend. The threads of self have become woven into
the fabric, and this has dishonored God.  

     Nehemiah, after gaining so great an influence over the monarch in
whose court he lived and over his people in Jerusalem, instead of
ascribing praise to his own excellent traits of character, his
remarkable aptness and energy, stated the matter just as it was. He
declared that his success was due to the good hand of God that was upon
him. He cherished the truth that God was his safeguard in every position
of influence. For every trait of character by which he obtained favor he
praised the working power of God. . . .  

     We need to sense deeply that all influence is a precious talent to
be used for God. . . . We need to appreciate every capability we
possess, because it is lent capital, to be improved to God's glory. . .
. There is constant temptation for human beings to consider that any
influence they have gained is the result of something valuable in
themselves. The Lord does not work with these, for He will not give to
any human being the glory that belongs to His own name. . . . He makes
the humble, trustful servant His representative--the one who will not
lift himself up and think of himself more highly than he ought to think.
The life of such a one will be dedicated to God as a living sacrifice,
and that life He will accept and use and sustain. He longs to make men
wise with His own wisdom, that that wisdom may be exercised in His own
behalf. He manifests Himself through the consecrated humble worker. . .
.  

     Carry every entrusted capability as a sacred treasure, to be used
in imparting to others the knowledge and grace received. In this you
will answer the purpose for which God gave them. The Lord requires us to
sink self in Jesus Christ, and let the glory be all of God.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 88