Notes of Faith October 1, 2026
Today’s notes from a friend that sits at the feet of Jesus, draws near to His heart to have a true relationship that God desires for all of mankind!
Relationship
I’ve been thinking. If I could eliminate one phrase from the “Christianese” vocabulary, it would be, “I just want God to use me.”
Why? you might ask. It sounds so humble, so pious, so “servanty”!
Unfortunately, I think it promotes an unhealthy idea of who God is and how He sees us. God is not utilitarian; He is relational. We are not objects to Him, not tools. We are people. Human souls that He loves dearly. He is not so much concerned about what He can get out of us, as He is about how much of Himself He can pour into us.
At best, this misconception promotes a transactional view of God, and something like an employer/employee way of relating to Him. We want to produce and please Him, expecting a corresponding compensation. “If I do this, He will do that.” We end up trying to bargain, manipulate, and “use” God in return. This performance/reward mindset also causes us to see fellow humans as objects, too—trophies to be won and collected or “jewels in our crown” or—if they don’t cooperate—barriers or obstacles to goals we need to achieve and the good that we hope to receive.
At worst, this image of God can make Him seem cruel. A relationship where one party has power over another, and uses them for their own personal gratification or gain is an abusive relationship. We can begin to see God as a self-serving sadist, not caring how much pain or trouble He puts us through, as long as He gets what He wants in the end.
But this is NOT our God. God is love. He gives us Himself in the hopes that we will reciprocate, and eagerly pursue knowing Him. Our hearts will then be turned in love toward others, reflecting the very heart of God. And yes, this will transform the world, one life at a time. But there is nothing mechanical or utilitarian about it. It isn’t even efficient. It’s organic, relational, and messy. And that’s the way He prefers it!
May you have the joy of “wasting time with God” this week, releasing the need to produce or see results.
Pastor Dale