11-27-24-DAILY READING-ENG.

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT

                                THOSE WHOM GOD USES 

Here's a typical scenario in our churches: The right person is being sought to serve as chairman of the finance committee, and the church turns immediately to someone such as a financially successful banker or businessperson. However, the church gives no thought to whether that person has even the faintest idea of how to walk by faith and trust in God. He or she then steps into the position and by all appearances manages the church's money well—so well that the church never experiences what God could have done if they had trusted more in Him.

Success in the world doesn't equate with success in the kingdom of God. In fact, it can often divert our praise away from God and onto the achievements of people. Every person who serves in the power of the Spirit will at the same time build up the body and bring glory to God. Our tendency seems always to judge a person's usefulness to God in terms of external factors. But those whom everyone expects to succeed because of their apparent strengths or their great and numerous talents are more likely to fail in the work of God's kingdom.

They're especially in danger if they listen to the press reports of how good they are. But God, in choosing and calling His servants, focuses not on outward appearances but on their hearts and their walks with Him. Again, He looks not for natural leaders, but for those whose hearts are pure and whose faith is strong.