The importance of self!

We have been in Princeton now for roughly a year and a half. Time after time I see evidence of God using me, using us, to minister to people. This is not the stuff of news headlines, or maybe even local gossip. Yet as time marches on we see the image of Christ in ourselves and others growing more and more glorious.

I often think, in situations in which I 'feel' that I have been able to provide some light or an answer or speak an appropriate word, “Hey, this is larger than myself. God is at work here!” Given the frailties of our heart, and it propensity towards deception, I know that feelings are not always trustworthy guide. Yet, I would stand firm that God is working in our midst. And, amazingly, God is working in and through me.

Certainly, one should not blow his own horn. There are Biblical warnings against doing that; however, there is also Biblical support for recognizing who and what God is making a person into, where He is placing him and for what purposes. As pastor of a small flock of believers this must mean that I embrace the responsibilities, the authority and the humility of such a calling.

What I am saying is that grappling with and embracing one's calling is not an expression of sinful selfishness, rather to avoid the calling of God is selfishness. However, along with this awareness of stepping up to the plate one must have a growing conviction that it is God who is a work in ME. (Phil. 2:12,13)

Therefore, if in the end, I would be desirous of being able to say: “I have run the race!” I must now say: “By the grace of God I am running the race!”