Reading today’s devotional from “My Utmost for His Highest” bared my heart for another arrow of Spirit’s conviction about the crucial difference between ministry that begins and ends as a “for the Lord” experience and ministry that flows out of a “being with the Lord” life. Oswald Chambers says it this way:
Christian work may be a means of evading the soul’s concentration on Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we may become amateur providences, and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons. – My Utmost for His Highest, March 25 (John 3:29)
“Amateur Providence” working against Him with His own weapons! What a frightening description!
In the previous day’s devotion, a similar warning was given:
If you become a necessity to a soul, you are out of God’s order. As a worker, your great responsibility is to be a friend of the Bridegroom. – My Utmost for His Highest, March 24 (John 3:30).
Quite the challenge Chambers has set before me! Thank You, Lord, for calling me Your “friend” (John 15:16), and affording me the grace to honor and love You above all else.