A gospel-centered person is characterized less by the exemplification of certain personality traits and more by being united to the Person of Jesus. Our brief look at the Scriptures showed that God uses a variety of people from an assortment of backgrounds with differing skills and shortcomings to accomplish His work. He isn’t looking for a certain skill-set to employ; rather, He is looking for people who are united to the Son through His death and resurrection. Our gifting and skills are secondary to our union with Christ.
–Matt Chandler
More than your ability, God wants your availability.
Lay your “Yes” on the altar.
Give God a blank check and let Him fill in the blanks for your life.
These are just a few other ways I have heard the same idea. God wants total and complete surrender of you to Him. He wants you to declare like Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
But too often, we are so focused on comfort and peace and security and self that we are unwilling to answer God’s calling for total surrender. Deny yourself. Die to yourself. Pick up your cross. Follow Me. These are the words that God uses to tell us to give every single thought over to Him, every single step over to Him, every single word over to Him, every single action over to Him.
Are you striving toward that?
Or have you become complacent in your spiritual growth, feeling that you have gone far enough with Jesus?
In 2016, I hope you will destroy all complacency in your life and become passionate about uniting with Christ in a way that radically transforms your thoughts, your speech, your attitude, and your actions.