How to Be Used by God: Unlocking Your Potential for Divine Service

Many of us wonder, "How can I be used by God?" We might picture extraordinary feats, miraculous healings, or dramatic conversions. But the truth is, God uses a far wider variety of people than we often imagine. This article explores the key qualities that make someone readily available for God's purposes, drawing on biblical examples and practical advice.

Beyond the Extraordinary: God’s Unexpected Choices

The common perception is that God only chooses those with exceptional gifts, stunning charisma, or a dramatic conversion story. However, this is a misconception. Psalm 78:70-72, describing King David, shows us a different picture. David, initially an unassuming shepherd boy, became a powerful king and a man deeply used by God. His life reveals that God's criteria go far beyond outward appearances. He looks at the heart.

This principle mirrors salvation itself – it's by grace through faith, not by works. Similarly, God's use of us is not dependent on our accomplishments but on our willingness to be used. Before considering other attributes, let's examine the foundational requirement:

1. A Sense of Calling: Answering the Divine Summons

God's choice is paramount. David's story highlights this truth. He wasn't chosen because of his strength or social standing, but because God called him. This divine summons transcends human limitations. It's a profound recognition that your life's purpose is intricately woven into God's plan.

Understanding your calling isn't about a grand, dramatic revelation but about a consistent seeking of God's will. Prayer, Bible study, and spiritual mentorship can help you discern this call. It's about aligning your life with God's purposes, allowing Him to shape your path and use your unique gifts for His glory.

The Inner Foundation: Character and Commitment

While God used David even after his significant failures, the Psalm likely depicts his early years, a time characterized by purity of heart and dedication to God's will. This emphasizes the importance of inner character:

2. A Sense of Character (Integrity): The Purity of the Vessel

Striving for a pure heart and clean mind is crucial for effective service. This doesn't imply perfection, but a continuous effort to live a life pleasing to God. Think of it as preparing yourself to be a vessel – God uses vessels of all shapes and sizes, but He doesn't use dirty ones. Addressing personal sin and maintaining a clean life allows God to use you effectively.

3. A Sense of Commitment: Servant Leadership in Action

David's journey from shepherd to king illustrates servant leadership. He didn't seek power; he served God and his people. This commitment involves a selfless attitude, prioritizing God's will over personal ambition. Jesus washing the disciples' feet exemplifies this humility. It's about prioritizing service above recognition or personal gain. This is a cornerstone of being used by God effectively and profoundly.

Competence and Compatibility: Equipping Yourself for Service

God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He does call us to excellence:

4. A Sense of Competence: Developing and Utilizing Your Gifts

David's diverse roles—shepherd, warrior, king—required diverse skills. This translates to identifying, developing, and utilizing your spiritual gifts. Mediocrity and laziness are unacceptable; a strong work ethic, driven by love for Christ, is essential. Complete dedication, as exemplified by Paul, is vital. Don't neglect the talents God has given you; nurture them to serve Him effectively.

5. A Sense of Compatibility: The Right Person, the Right Task

While not explicitly stated, God’s choice involves suitability for the task. He considers your gifts and character in relation to the specific work He intends for you. This means being open to God's leading and discerning where your unique skills and passions align with His purposes. It's about being available and receptive to the opportunities He presents.

Practical Steps to Being Used by God

Beyond these five core qualities, several practical steps can help you position yourself for greater use by God:

• Cultivate Personal Purity: Regularly examine your heart, confess sin, and strive for holiness.
• Maintain Open Eyes: Be attentive to God's leading in your daily life.
• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate thankfulness for God's blessings and grace.
• Maintain a Firm Purpose: Focus on God's purposes for your life.
• Keep Your Mind on Jesus: Center your life on Jesus' example and teachings.

Being used by God isn't about achieving greatness in the eyes of the world, but about living a life of faithfulness and obedience. It's about aligning your will with His, allowing Him to work through you to bless others and further His Kingdom. Embrace your unique gifts, cultivate a servant's heart, and allow God to use you in ways you may never have imagined. He uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Be Used by God

How does God choose the people He uses?

God's choice is not based solely on outward appearances, exceptional gifts, or dramatic conversions. He looks beyond these to the heart, selecting individuals based on their spiritual calling and inner qualities. While He can use anyone, He particularly seeks individuals with a sense of calling, character (integrity), commitment, competence, and a compatibility with the specific task He has for them. This mirrors the principle of salvation by grace through faith.

What qualities does God look for in the people He uses?

Based on scriptural examples and theological reflection, five key qualities often emerge:

1. A Sense of Calling: A deep-seated awareness of God's specific purpose for their life. This precedes and underpins all other qualities.
2. A Sense of Character (Integrity): While acknowledging that even God's chosen people can stumble, striving for a pure heart and clean mind is crucial. While forgiveness is always available, the impact of sin should be acknowledged and addressed.
3. A Sense of Commitment: A selfless dedication to serving God and others, prioritizing His will above personal ambition or recognition. This is characterized by humility and servant leadership.
4. A Sense of Competence: The ability to identify, develop, and utilize spiritual gifts effectively, driven by a love for Christ, not self-promotion. A strong work ethic is vital in this area.
5. A Sense of Compatibility: A suitability for the specific task at hand, aligning individual gifts and character with God's plan.

Besides these five qualities, are there other important aspects to consider?

Yes, other sources highlight additional crucial aspects:

• Personal Purity: Striving for a clean life before God, actively addressing personal sin. This isn't about perfection, but about actively pursuing holiness.
• Open Eyes: Recognizing and participating in God's current work, discerning His activity and aligning with His plan.
• Gratitude: Maintaining a thankful heart, fostering continued dedication and combating cynicism.
• Firm Purpose: Staying focused on God-ordained purposes: delighting God, belonging to His family, becoming Christ-like, serving Him, and fulfilling His mission.
• Keeping one's mind on Jesus: Focusing on Christ's example, finding strength and perspective amidst challenges. This unwavering focus provides resilience.
• Inner Joy and Hope: Cultivating a joyful and hopeful spirit, rooted in a close walk with God; this positive attitude is contagious and attracts others.

How can I actively participate in God's work and become more useful to Him?

Actively participating in your faith involves several key steps:

1. Cultivate Faith: Believe and apply the Gospel to your life.
2. Pray Consistently: Ask God for opportunities to share His love and build His kingdom.
3. Prepare Yourself: Be ready to engage with diverse individuals; practice active listening and empathy.
4. Actively Serve: Look for opportunities to connect with and serve others in need.
5. Support Financially: Contribute to God's work through financial giving.
6. Celebrate God's Work: Rejoice in witnessing God's activity in your life and the lives of others.

Does God only use "perfect" people?

No. God uses imperfect people. The examples of biblical figures like David, who experienced significant failures, demonstrate that God works through individuals despite their flaws. The focus is on a heart dedicated to Him and a willingness to learn and grow. The key is striving for holiness and actively seeking forgiveness and repentance when needed.

What if I feel inadequate or unqualified?

Feeling inadequate is common. Remember that God's call is paramount. He equips those He calls. Focus on developing the qualities mentioned above—a sense of calling, character, commitment, competence, and compatibility—and trust in God's provision and guidance. He will use your unique strengths and gifts.