"We are inclined to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching. In actual fact, it is to be turned into something even better than teaching, namely, character. The mountaintop is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a terrible trap in always asking, “What’s the use of this experience?” We can never measure spiritual matters in that way. The moments on the mountaintop are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God’s purpose."
Oswald Chambers/My Utmost For His Highest
What a profound statement this is. Many of us tend to think in terms of God teaching us rather than Him making us. Anyone can teach...only God can make.
My husband and I had a discussion last night about Christians who never do anything. By that I mean they are content to be saved and in their own little world without impacting those around them in any significant way. I find it hard to relate to people like that. There is so much to be done and so many opportunities to reach out and make a difference. If we are truly letting God make us into his image, how can we not do something?
Maybe my impact isn't as big as I would like it to be, but I cannot just sit on what I know. I don't want to just be taught, I want to be made.
Oh, Jan, I love this! I've been thinking lately about character, and how I need more of it to sustain the gifts God has entrusted to me. This fits in so well with those thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMay we all be made into Jesus' image moment by moment.
Thanks for your devotion to us, your readers and to Jesus.
Love you,
Jen
I love these thoughts! What a great perspective to keep while we go through trials or uncomfortable situations.
ReplyDeleteNice quote, Jan--I hope you don't mind my input here. I don't think that the two are mutually exclusive. I believe that God can certainly teach me something while He makes me more like Him. The two go hand in hand for me. As I learn, I am changed from glory to glory and my character is shaped and changed.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You look too young to have six grandkids!
Very true Julie. God can do and does both at the same time. Isn't that awesome?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment.:)
Hi Jan,
ReplyDeleteI like that your post is brief, but speaks volumes to my heart. In regard to your conversation with your husband about "Christians who never do anything...content to be saved and in their own little world",
I agree with this, because I have been that kind of Christian for a very long time. I have recently taken my first step out of my safety zone, and want to become the servant that He created me to be. I am now beginning this journey through my new blog, which is about "Life Expressed Through Poetry, that I have written. This is a Christian blog, with the intent to honor Christ.
Thank you for your post, I will be following. I would love to have you visit me at my blog if you get the chance.
God bless,
Michele Katherine
Nice post, its really interesting. While I'm reading this I remember the first time I learned how to use organic cosmetic brushes. Well its not the best but its simply fascinating.
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