Letter from David C., shared with his permission.
I had a friend ask me this week what is it that people desire? One of the best answers I have heard came from Larry Crabb. He said that men desire significance and women desire security. Significance is fleeting and security is illusional. I like Jeremiah 9:23,24
“Thus says the Lord, let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not the rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord…”
You remember when Jesus sent the 12 out and gave them incredible power to cast out demons, to heal all kinds of sickness. They came back rejoicing in their experiences. It would have been incredible to experience. Marvel studio kinds of things.
The Lord’s comment was for them not to rejoice in what they had done but to rejoice that their names were written in the Lamb’s book of life.
When something good is accomplished, it is God who has shown up and done it. It is the Holy Spirit accomplishing the work of God through His children and this life. I like Psalm 115:1. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.” There is a reason we will cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus. We will do so because the glory belongs to Him!
I like the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was involved in “ministry”. Serving and ministry—same word. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus engaged in the relationship. Martha was irritated at not having Mary’s help and told Jesus that He should tell Mary to help her. It is one of the incredible rebukes in scripture. Jesus said that Martha was “worried” and “bothered” about so many things, but only one thing was necessary which Mary had chosen.
Why do we fear the relationship with the Lord? Are we afraid that we are not really good enough for Jesus? Are we afraid that our significance will suffer if we are not doing enough good things? Are we concerned about what people might think about us?
My simple success definition for life is to walk with Jesus and be faithful to Him. I know He will build His church; I know His kingdom will come; I know that His purposes will be accomplished.
Your brother,
David
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