Inspired by...: Inspired by . . . Day 15: His Character, Self-sufficient

Inspired by . . . Day 15: His Character, Self-sufficient

God is Self-Sufficient

All things are God’s to give, and all that is given is given by Him. He can receive nothing that He has not already given us.

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed His offspring.' Act 17:24-28

Paul makes it clear when speaking to the crowd in Athens that God is the giver of all things. I love this passage in James:

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Jas 1:17

God doesn’t need us. Yes, He created us and does great and wonderful things for us and through us. But if you’re standing at the door in church, or kneeling in the dirt in Haiti, or writing that check instead of going to Disneyland this Christmas thinking that you’re doing something great for God, then you’ve got it wrong.

Rather our mindset should be one of worship and gratitude that He allows us to participate in His amazing story. We are the ones who benefit from obedience. God will accomplish His will, with or without our participation.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rom 12:1

We all begin with good intentions. But as we walk the walk, day after day, it’s easy to lose sight of the cross. Let us never forget, we were bought with a price.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1Cor 6:19-20

Being self-sufficient doesn’t mean that God doesn’t delight in our offerings. Even our simple prayers, when offered in love, are a sweet smelling aroma to Him. Those of you with children can understand this, I’m sure. How many times has your child given you something, made by their tiny hands? It was nothing you needed. Or maybe they even wrapped up something that you had given them and gave it back to you! How did you feel? God feels the same.

God wants us to love Him. And He delights when He sees us walking in the Truth.