Language is important. I’ve been thinking lately of the language I use in relation to serving God. Often I say that I’m doing things FOR God, as if God needs me to get his work done.

 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” Acts 17:24-25

God allows me to be part of what He’s doing. And even what I do for him, I do in the strength he provides.

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord” Zechariah 4:6

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you…” Psalm 84:5

“if anyone serves, [it should be] from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything” 1 Peter 4:11

When I find myself doing things FOR God, it’s sometimes been in my strength and to make myself feel good about what I can do. Because of what God has done and By God’s Power are proper motives and help keep God as the one glorified and worshiped.

Splitting hairs? Maybe. Just thinking.