God’s prized possession for his purpose
“The people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (Isaiah 43:21)
Very often when a child is baptized, we speak of them becoming a child of God. But how often do we carry that thought throughout our lives? As we grow up and grow older there is often an attitude or posture which conveys the idea that “It’s my life and I can and am going to live it the way I want.”
How quickly we forget or lose sight of the fact that God is the one who gave us not only our life, but our talents and abilities and gives us everything we need for life. How quickly we forget that God says about us “I formed for myself.” God did not make us so we can then go and live however we want. He formed us to live to serve and praise him.
Think of how we struggle with this all the time. It is displayed in the fact that the most commonly used word in the English language is “I.” It also manifests itself in our self-centered thoughts, words and actions.
Our verse for this week is first of all a call to repentance. It calls each of us recognize and repent of our sins of not living out the purpose that we were made for or living in the role we were created in.
Then this verse is a call to action to get us to think about how we can live as children of God and proclaim his praise. Understand that this does not mean that we have to walk around singing hymns of praise to God all the time. Think instead about how your words and actions can express praise to God for who he is and what he has done and continues to do for you. Think of the message it would send if people see you using your gifts and blessings for the advantage of others and not concerned about what you get out of it.
As my wife and I went out for dinner several nights ago, the waiter thanked us at the end by saying “Have a blessed evening.” What a simple way to live as a child of God and give him praise.
This whole subject is one of those areas of our Christian life which is a constant struggle and challenge. Seek God’s strength through his Word that you may live as his prized possession to his praise.