The Brave Friendship of God

Jesus’ plan to grow His church is to grow it one Christian at a time as we share what He has done for us. We are told that’s the plan. There is no plan B. We are the “A” Team. That seems a bit radical. What was God thinking? I wouldn’t trust us with the plan of salvation. Man in general and, me in particular, are unsuited to saving the world. 

There is nothing good in me and I have no value. Ask my wife. 

That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience— all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-31  ). 

God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all— we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. 

The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship.

There is no Plan B, so get moving with Plan A.

Nick