“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?” (Acts 3:12)
Live for Jesus w/o thinking God’s mighty acts depend on *you*—your power or your piety.
Live for Jesus w/o thinking God’s mighty acts depend on *you*—your power or your piety.
It’s so tempting to think effectiveness in the Christian life or ministry is related to or proportional to how hard we try or how consistent we’ve been devotionally. We can think that by the sweat of our brow and warmth of our piety we “bring” God’s power.
So, if we are not seeing incredible results, there must be a defect in our effort, strategy or walk. And that’s not the worst outcome, because if we are seeing results then we attribute those results to our effort, strategy and piety.
Oh, I know. We don’t say that out loud. Our piety won’t let us. But a thought lurks behind the public displays of “holiness” and “modesty”: I did this. We accept blame or credit for the work of God. No wonder we are so often discouraged or puffed up.
But the apostles effectively say, “Don’t look at us. We ain’t got nothing to do with this. It’s not due to our strength and it’s not our walk w/ Jesus. It’s God all by himself. Look to God and listen to Him.”
Ministry is easier if we point to God in Christ instead of ourselves.
Ministry is easier if we point to God in Christ instead of ourselves.
God’s mighty acts of salvation do not depend on us. That sounds horrible to the proud and self-important who build reputations by leeching on the work of God. But that’s good news for people weary of being at the center, where only God should be. Point to Jesus and stand aside
