October 23rd, 2012 Posted in Uncategorized
Quotable Quote
“Lord, thank you for using me in spite of my best efforts.”
I’m quoting myself in this quotable quote. I don’t remember when I first made the statement, but I’ve come to believe its truth in my own life. Yours too?
I’ve realized for a long time that God’s grace means He can forgive me for my sins, mistakes, and failures. I’ve rejoiced that His mercy can compensate for the worst in me and do something good through me in spite of it.
More recently I’ve come to realize, however, that even my very best efforts are far from perfection. I suspect my motivations are never 100% pure. Yes, my efforts are to be significant and sacrificial in fulfilling His call for me, but they will never be enough or good enough that God should be indebted to me. Isaiah the prophet stated it bluntly, “Our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6)
Not to worry! This is where God’s infinite act of grace is applied to my limited acts of goodness. Yes, I can look forward someday to the Lord saying to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21,23) But I’m convinced His affirmation will be much like that of the parent who raves over the scrawled artwork of the child, artwork that has little artistic value but is valued by the parent nevertheless and ends up on the door of the refrigerator.
I remember as a child trying to build a small toy wagon to pull behind my toy tractor. I had a set of four wheels I tried to attach to the wagon but grew frustrated that I couldn’t get the job done. But, it was the best I could do. Then my Dad came along and took it from there, and I had my wagon!
My best efforts are useful to the Lord, but they are never enough. He has to correct what I do, add to what I do, build on what I do. This is a tremendous relief to me, that God is more than willing to add His best to my best effort!
“Lord, thank you for using me in spite of my best efforts.”
