October 27: The Method of Missions

"There is a passion for souls that does not spring from God, but from the desire to make converts to our point of view."

Hmmm....

That is easy to recognize in Muslim extremists, and other religions or cults, but would it be easy to recognize in ourselves? Does my desire to teach others about Jesus come from wanting to somehow prove that what I believe is far superior to anything others believe? God forbid, for there is no power for others or even myself in such motivation.

Dear Jesus, Chambers keeps repeating this theme -- it's all about You, and nothing else, or it's all smoke and mirrors. The Bible speaks of burning up the chaff, getting rid of everything that is useless. I pray that You will do this for all of us, even when the heat of the fire is painful. All the dross and sludge of our lives just slows us down. Make us as pure as fine gold in our relationship with You, so our hearts will sing like the Psalmist:

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
More to be desired are these than gold,
More than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey from the honeycomb! Psalm 19:9-10