GOD USES CIRCUMSTANCES NOT PEOPLE

I believe there needs to be an important adjustment in our language as CHRISTians, regarding the topic of God 'using' people. The very word implies that we are tools or objects to God - to be picked up or put down at His divine whim. Nothing could be further from the truth. God does not use people- which has become the predominant description of His involvement with born-again humanity. It is much more accurate, healthy and appropriate to say that God co-labors with sons and daughters within familial relationships. God doesn't need us to accomplish anything. He wants to partner with us. He wants us to live and walk in union and communion with Him; in a mutual love relationship from which our identity flows and we 'do stuff' with God, and He 'does stuff' with us.

NOTHING God wants to do in this world with us, for us, through us, in spite of us or to us is done outside of His love relationship with us. This is a vital thing to understand. It is our identity as sons and daughters that is to be the foundation of who we are and therefore everything we do and become- in Christ.

Consider these amazing words from the mouth of Jesus Himself, as He prays for all believers to His Father;

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." - John 17:20-23

The primary concern I have about this incorrect application of the language regarding relationship with God, is that it can create confusion and wrong understanding about our identity in Christ and His love relationship with all mankind. Especially amongst the lost or brand new believers.

The word 'use' has a negative connotation in the world, and rightly describes the selfish and manipulative side of many 'modern' relationships. People get used for their bodies, used for financial gain, used to advance careers and all manner of wicked things. In fact, the argument could be made that the self-centeredness inherent in relationships that exist outside of the Lordship of Jesus could be described as people using people in one way or another.

Understanding our right identity in Jesus is foundational to intimacy with Him. I believe that with correct application of language to the topic of God co-laboring with us, it will really help Christians and pre-Christians alike establish healthy and mature relationships with God and with each other.