God Does Not Need Me (He Doesn't Need You Either)

On Sunday I will assume a role that I have filled for years, leading my congregation in Sunday morning worship.  The week leading up to Sunday, I work hard ensuring that all of the details have been taken care of.  Having been born into a preachers home, being in church is a very routine thing. It can become a very normal thing to think that I am important - that the church needs me - that God needs me.  But, in reality, that entire line thinking is very egocentric.

Growing up in a denomination that has the Great Commission at its core I understand how important it is to serve God.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." Matthew 28:19, 20a NASB.  However, it is always important to remember that we are to serve God, not become God.

This can be such a slippery slope.  In fact, for most of us it may not be intentional.  We serve and sacrifice.  We bring our "A" game every week.  But then it starts. We fail to take time away. Maybe we find it difficult to raise up future leaders.  Or, we might struggle with embracing another persons vision, simply because it isn't our own.  Then suddenly we have lost our way. Our voice has now become a lot louder than Gods.

Now, let's remember that verse we all learned a long time ago "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me."  John 14:6 NASB  God is the way, I am not the way.  My opinion is not the truth.  We all need to realize that God has it all under control.  This doesn't relinquish us from preparation.  However, it allows us to rest in his sovereignty.

Resting in His sovereignty, could prevent so many ministerial and relational disasters.  How many times, with the best of intentions have we over-stepped thinking that we had to "do" or "say" this.  Then have it just blow up in our face.  We sing these songs with great lines like - "God will make a way..." "We serve a God of miracles," Yet how many times do we think we are the only way. If there has to be a miracle, it is up to us.

Believing that God does not need us and embracing that we need Him is the mind shift that will keep us humble.  It will help us get of the way, when we need to release a new generation into ministry.  Real rest will begin in our lives when we take a necessary step back.  And most importantly it will allow us to hear God better.  So just remember, God does not need us.  He simply wants us to need Him.