THE MAN GOD CANNOT USE PT.7
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” NLT
THE SELF SUFFICIENT&PROUD
I was told about the attitude of some persons during their ordination into ministry in their denomination. They put up the attitude of "I deserve it". This attitude reeks of pride and the spirit of self sufficiency.
In the same denomination, some ordainees would go to God in prayer and fasting asking for grace to function effectively and not to fail Him. Often, God uses the latter than the former.
The attitude of self sufficiency and pride doesn't make a man rely on God for effectiveness in life and ministry. Paul says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;"( 2 Cor3:5).
That feeling of having acquired deep theological knowledge may make a man feel self sufficient and not want to rely on God for his ministry. Some may see no need to pray because they know what to preach.
Oratory and ability to command people's attention may make a man feel self sufficient. Some think being a good speaker translates into being a good preacher. How wrong!
The moment a man think himself qualified on the basis of certain parameters, pride may set in. When pride sets in, such persons either remain static or they go down.
This is what scriptures says about the proud: "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble"(James 4:6).
Self sufficient and proud people don't pray. In fact, prayerlessness is a sign of pride. It is a way of telling God, "I can do it alone, I don't need you". The man whose attitude exclude God cannot be used by God.
God cannot use a man who rely in himself, his qualifications, and status for spiritual assignment. The humble will continue to be a ready vessel for God's use anytime.
Father, I receive the grace to remain humble and to see Christ as my sufficiency in Jesus name.