Called and Equiped for His Glory Only

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Theme: God designed us to bring glory to His Son. Key verses: “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'” (v. 27 – 31) What God said to me: Dwayne, be very careful not to think to highly of yourself. I’m glad you work hard and smart and try to think ahead and scheme your way. And it’s gotten you far down the road. Many people are and will be impressed by your accomplishments and abilities. Just don’t let that go to your head. Everything you have and are and will be is because of my grace and for my glory. Remember where you came from. Remember that you were one of those “nothings” that the world discounted as insignificant. In the future you may be hailed as important and significant according to some worldly standards. But you are still that same nothing, whom I took and made something. Warning: If you ever start thinking you did this or you did that on your own and for your own, I will bring your little kingdom crashing down. I will allow no one to steal my glory. My Son lives in you and has imparted to you all you need to live holy, healthy and happy in this world. I designed it that way because I love you and those you will impact for me. As long as you stay humble and surrendered and constantly aware of my grace and goodness, I can afford to continue to exalt you — all for the glory of my Son. What I said to God: Holy Lord, You see my going in and my going out. You know my deepest thoughts and my most secret actions. Please search me, O God, and show me any wrong motives or ill-devised plans. Please help me to let people’s compliments roll right off my back, rather than let them go to my head. I want you to trust me that every good statement that is made I will only count and send up as praise to my Father and Lord and Savior and Provider. I really am nothing without You. I acknowledge that reality. I see my desperate state and know I can do (and have done) nothing without You. I want to glory. In fact, I say, please bring on the glory — so I can point it all to You, who is the only One deserving of it.