I’ve had so many people through the years tell me how they felt called to ministry and they want to be used by God, only to step completely out of serving or even the church within just a couple of years. Far too many times we say we want something but we are not willing to do what it takes to receive it. Today I want to give you five things that you are going to have to do in order to be used by God in the lives of other.
1 - Understand How Amazing it is to know Jesus
The Children of Israel had it so so good. God delivered them from 400 years of Slavery. Gave them a cloud by day and fire by night. He parted the Red Sea, fed them Manna from Heaven, gave them water from a rock and more. However within days of every miracle the Children of Israel complained. They took for granted how incredible this God was and everything He had been doing for them and because of it, this group of people never made it to the Promise Land.
You and I need to learn from their mistakes.
When it comes to our relationship with God. God is amazing and we need to never forget that! This God that created the universe, died on the cross, and rose from the dead, actually talked to you today. He not only knows you, He shows himself to you every single day. Don’t take that for granted. Because if you do, someone else will walk into your personal promised Land.
2 - Live Holy
2 Timothy 2:20-22 says “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart”
If you want to be one of the vessels that are used by God for honorable, and good things, you are going to have to be Holy.
Holiness is not just “fleeing evil desires”. Holiness is also pursuing good desires (righteousness, faith, love, and peace).
Our level of holiness will determine our level of usefulness to His kingdom.
3 - Forgive Others
Mathew 5:21-24
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Unforgiveness stops the communication between us and God. Before we offer God the sacrifice of our time, talent and treasure we need to check our relationships with those around us. God is not just concerned with how we treat and relate to Him, He is also concerned with how we treat those around us.
Open relationships, open the door for God’s blessing.
4 - Listen More and Talk Less
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
There are times when God speaks to us thru those around us. If we are so busy talking, we will never hear His voice. When you are in meetings, at home or talking to someone in the hallway at Church…Listen. Don’t show the people around you how much you know, show them how much you care. Listen to others and God will give you opportunities to serve Him by serving their needs.
5 - Stop Looking for the next big thing and understand the task in front of you is the next big thing.
As kids we were always looking for next big milestone in our life. “I can’t wait untill I’m in Junior High. I can’t wait untill I’m an 8th grader and rule the school. I can’t wait untill I can drive, go to college or move out of the house. Then … then my life will be so much better!”
When we look to the future for what is coming up, we miss the opportunity to enjoy the moment that is right in front of us. One of the keys to being used by God is understanding that the thing in front of you is the big thing God has for you.
We need to have the mentality that whatever it is that I am doing now, I will go all in! If I am, sitting in a leadership lesson, doing a planning meeting, singing in a worship set, or serving in the nursery… I will give by absolute best.
Jesus once said, “If you are faithful in that which is little you will be faithful over that which is much”. If you and I are faithful with what we are doing now, God will trust us with what He is wanting to give us in the future. So stop looking of the next thing and simply do the best you can at what you are doing right now.