Sublime

The theologian Paul Tillich declared that faith is “the state of being ultimately concerned.” He argued that because each person has something of ultimate concern that defines their life and identity, all people are religious—even the atheist. Every person has something in their life that functions as their god. For some, this god-function is occup

hearing God’s Word preached and taught with handles.

Without a servant’s heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain.

The thing is, “Justus” sounds a lot to me like “just us.” God’s plans are full of just-us kind of people. I would say probably the majority of us are just-us people, folks who don’t get capes or stained-glass windows. We just get the opportunity to do what God wants us to do without a lot of fanfare.

Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. They love to attend concerts and enrichment seminars, but you would never find them at a missions conference because they aren’t interested. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It’s a “me-first” faith: How can God make

Instead of posing as self-confident and invincible, see yourself as a trophy of grace.

Start looking around at your personal mission field and pray, “God, who have you put in my life for me to tell about Jesus?”

I Am Significant • I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of his life. (John 15:5) • I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16) • I am God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16) • I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17–21) • I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6) •

When leaders are afraid and don’t trust God, followers won’t either.