Quote from my leader last night when speaking about submission to our husbands. We tend to think of Ephesians 5:22-33 as taking something away from us. But it’s quite the opposite. Submitting to our husbands (and all of God’s laws) only builds us up, increases our sanctification, and changes us for the better.
Sometimes we think Seriously, God, do I have to do _____?! Like tithing, giving to others, loving our enemies, forgiving others, being humble, and all those things we have no desire to do and which goes against our selfish nature. But we must remember all of it is for our good–for us–and not just for God. It’s all a process we must go through in our quest to be like Jesus.
While looking up sanctification in my Bible Dictionary (Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary by J D Douglas and Merrill C Tenney), I came across this nugget to share as well:
“The notion of holiness, when applied to things, places, and people, means that they are consecrated and set apart for the use of God.”
I loved the idea that my whole purpose on earth is for God’s use. He is using me. I’ve always known I’ve had a God-given purpose. But the idea “I am set apart for the use of God” just struck me. I think it goes beyond our purpose (which tends to be only one or a handful of things) and encompasses other uses that we don’t think about.
Purpose tends to be more of us doing the doing. God’s use is more of God doing the doing.
Just some thoughts to chew on this week!