Those of us who have grown up in a traditional Christian atmosphere speak a dialect I call Christian- eze”. It’s a language of clichés—a collection of phrases used habitually in a way that betrays lack of deep or original thought. They are phrases that we’ve heard so often that we’re convinced it’s inspired Scripture—like “God helps those that help themselves.” When information about God is expressed in Christian-eze, our words often sound meaningless to listeners who don’t yet know God. A frequently used cliché is: “God uses us…” What we intend to communicate is that serving in God’s Kingdom is honorable. But those who don’t understand God’s amazing love hear: “God treats us like disposable slaves or puppets who have no choice but to do whatever He demands.”
In relationships, we think badly of someone who claims friendship; yet we discover they’ve used our gifts, affection or reputation to selfishly benefit themselves! That humiliating relationship cannot last because using others is manipulative and unkind. Recognizing how hurtful this selfish treatment is from people, why would we ascribe such egocentric, insensitive behavior to God who loves unselfishly andacceptsusperfectly? Truefriendsdon’tusefriends! The reality is, God has invited us into intimate relationship and partnership with Himself through Christ.
Jesus stated emphatically, “No one has greater love than to give up his own life for his friends. You are My friends if (when) you keep on doing the things which I command…I don’t call you servants any longer, for the servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you My friends, because I’ve revealed to you everything I’ve learned from My Father. You have not chosen Me—I’ve chosen you…that you might keep bearing lasting fruit …so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name, presenting all that I AM, He may give it to you. (John 15:13-16) God includes us in partnership with Himself to bring His good desires for humanity into reality (Romans 8:28-29). God created us so like Himself that we can talk, choose and work together with Him. Although He is certainly the Senior Partner, a partnership indicates a mutual acceptance and respect. God desires our acceptance and respect, so in His perfect love, wisdom and tender mercy, He would never withhold His acceptance and respect from us! We believers are the Bride of God’s beloved Son! God will never dishonor or disrespect His Son’s Wife by “using us” to accomplish what He wants.
“You (believers) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation. You are God’s own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds…of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Paul encouraged Titus, “We (believers) are awaiting and looking for the realization of our blessed hope; the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus…Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might purchase our freedom from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people, to be peculiarly His own: people who are eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds. (Titus 2:13-14) Our best, most dedicated determination cannot make us enthusiastic about living a good life, filled with beneficial deeds if we believe it only benefits someone who is demanding and manipulative. God loves us tenderly and intimately. He desires, not a slave/master relationship, but one built on mutual respect. He desires that we will let Him love us into obedience.
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