Did
you ever stop to consider that God is an amateur? Does that offend you to think of God in that
way? To the American way of thinking, an
amateur is someone that tries, but accomplishes little. God doesn’t fit this idea, does He?
We idolize professionals, not
amateurs. After all, if anything is
going to get done, we need someone who has proven his worth. Someone who is talented and experienced. We are looking to follow and imitate a
professional. Therefore, we need a God
that is a professional. How dare you
call God an amateur!
Yet, look at the meaning of these two
words. In the basic sense of the word, a
professional is one who engages in an activity in order to receive some kind of
reward or payoff. A professional athlete
expects payment for playing a certain game.
A professional actor or actress receives money for their
performance. A professional in the
business world receives a salary for services rendered.
An amateur, on the other hand, is someone
who engages in an activity for the love of it.
An amateur athlete competes because he/she enjoys the challenge and
loves playing the game. Amateur
actors/actresses perform in a play because they enjoy entertaining the
audience. An amateur in the business
world is called a volunteer. They
provide a service because they love helping others.
Now I ask you. Why has God done all of the things He is
known for throughout history? In order
to receive a payoff? Or did He do them
for the love of it? Did Jesus come to
this earth to be paid or to get anything for his work? Or did he come here to show the extent of
God’s love to mankind? I think you will
have to agree that everything God has done and will continue to do is motivated
by His love for us. He does it for the
love of it.
Bring this idea home now. In the Christian realm, why do you do the
things you do? Are you trying to earn
something from God? Or are you in it for
the love of it? What is your aim for
your Christian life?
Scripture is calling for amateurs, not
professionals. Jesus told his disciples
that their distinguishing mark in the world would be the love they show toward
each other (John 13:34, 35). He leaves
the impression that He calls for them to be amateurs and not professionals. The
rewards disciples are looking forward to cannot be earned; but Jesus promises
to grant them freely for the love of it.
Now I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful that God
chooses to be an amateur. I am infinitely and wonderfully blessed because He
loves to give me all things. It’s just another example of how good He is and
how amazing His grace really is.
Doug
No comments:
Post a Comment