Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Making Much of Him

By Dana May 1, 2008 Devotion, Faith, Worship

“The love of God is not God’s making much of us, but God’s saving us from self-centered sin so that we can enjoy making much of him forever.” John Piper, Taste and See

I recently had the pleasure to listen to Dr. Al Mohler’s teaching at the Together for the Gospel event. His message was eye opening to how some in the Christian realm have diluted the work Jesus did for us on the cross. The gospel message presented today in many facets is more closely related to self help psychology rather than presenting the victorious work that Jesus did on the cross.

The message of self help sells. Just walk into any bookstore and you will find a plethora of books to improve everything from happiness to marriage. There are plenty in Christian bookstores as well. Look at the popularity of women like Oprah Winfrey who has made a goal out of empowering women to feel better about ourselves.

I have no doubt that some of these books hold some value and offer good advice. But, we have to ask ourselves, were we created to feel good about ourselves or were we made to glorify and worship God? I have found for me, I can embrace genuine worship when the focus is off me and fully on God. When we make much of him, all the self help we need is given to us directly by the inner working of the Holy Spirit. That is when we will see amazing spiritual growth in our lives.

This isn’t always easy today. Society today has a focus on us. Everything is centered on us and the idea of self denial to worship God is foreign to the minds of many around us. While we need to take care of ourselves, certainly, we have to remember it isn’t all about “me” either.

Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song called, Much of You. I want to share a few lines of the lyrics:

And how can I kneel here, And think of the cross, The thorns and the whip and the nails and the spear
The infinite cost, To purchase my pardon, And bear all my shame, To think I have anything worth boasting in except for Your name, Cause I am a sinner, And You are the Savior

I want to make much of You, Jesus, I want to make much of Your love, I want to live today to give You the praise, That You alone are so worthy of, I want to make much of Your mercy, I want to make much of Your cross, I give You my life, Take it and let it be used.

Romans 5:8 says, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

This is it! Even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Being a Christian isn’t about what we can gain from God. Following Christ is about a loving God who saved us from ourselves. Being a Christian is about God’s amazing forgiveness, His mercy and grace upon those He loves – because truthfully – we are not worthy of this gift. However, the gift is ours for the taking and with that, Christ deserves our all. Take the focus off me and put it all back on Him who is worthy of everything. Praise God! He is Sovereign and in control.

Dear Lord, I know life isn’t about me and I am sorry for my selfish attitudes and ambitions. I want my life to be an example of glory and honor given to you. As John Piper said, I don’t want to stand before the Grand Canyon and miss the significance. Help me be free from the bondage of myself and able to share the amazing significance of your love, mercy and grace to those around me. In Christ’s holy and precious name, Amen.

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9 thoughts on “Making Much of Him”

  1. Elaine Olsen

    Dana:
    It’s a battle everyday to put the flesh in the closet and cloak myself with the magnificence of God’s grace, but truly it is the best covering I know. For years I struggled with receiving the work of the Cross in my own heart and life. It’s one thing to “talk it” but quite another thing to “live it.”

    There are moments when I come close to understanding the full measure of Calvary’s work. Those times boast the deepest contentment of my soul. They are becoming more frequent, but honoring Christ with my life is a deliberate, obedient pursuit even when my feelings beg my default.

    Thank you for reminding me this morning just how “much” I need to boast in the Cross, alone. Don’t you just love SCChapman?

    peace~elaine

  5. Angela

    Amen Dana, I was one of those women caught up in buying all of the self help books that pertained to my situation. I only fell into deeper depression…I can’t help myself! My help comes from the Lord, and it took me a long time to grasp that simple, yet incredible concept. I figured out the only book I needed to read was the Bible and it never gets old. There is always something new I am finding and any situation in my life God has answer and direction for me. I no longer look at the self help books…I look to the Lord. Thank you for this devotion.
    Love and Prayers,
    Angela

  7. Heather CHeatherC

    Dana – this rocked!!! I love John Piper and that quote is powerful. I love that song too and the way you wove it all together. This is truth that we all need to hear and be reminded of frequently. We need to be saved from ourselves!

  8. LindaLinda

    This really touched my heart Dana. I struggle with selfishness all the time – wanting “my” time, “my” way…. Jesus gave us such a beautfiul example of selflessness.