Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants

Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants

American Lady

We are often too severe with ourselves about the things that matter little and not severe enough about the things that matter most. [click to tweet]

 This was my thought the other night after reading the following scriptures:

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luk 17:10)

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1Co 4:7)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10)

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:36)

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You. (1Ch 29:14)

Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You. (Psa 143:2)

Everything we are, everything we have, comes from His hand. How we must grieve our Father's heart when we look at her hair or her writing, her house, her family and wish that was us. Or when we look at ourselves and think, fat, plain, frumpy, too short, too tall, too skinny, boring. Not good enough.

Why does this line of thinking grieve our Father's heart?  Does God make mistakes? 

He formed you. Down to the very last freckle (or not), the very last curl (or not). Dark, light, blonde, brown, blue-eyed, He created you, perfectly, in His image. No mistakes.

He gave you certain gifts. He chose particular blessings to bestow. All according to His perfect purpose for your life. 

Yes, we are all called to love and serve Him. But there are many ways, and many paths we follow to fulfill the plan and purpose of our life. 

Envy and self-pity are two of the biggest boulders the enemy uses to block our path. [click to tweet] The dynamite that will blow those boulders sky high is our sacrifice of praise.

Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Heb 13:15-16)

When we fill our hearts with His love, by honoring Him with our lips and sharing the gifts we have been given, envy and pity have nowhere to grow. Rather WE grow in the things that really matter.

May we all walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2)

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus