The other day I was talking with someone about a ministry opportunity. Each of us remained convinced that this ministry was God’s Will, but I, to the one side, could not go and he, to the other, was not convinced it was the very best use of God’s money that we could find.
This prompted my thinking and I haven’t yet been able to put the idea away. Are we really to seek out at all costs the very best use of God’s money? In the end I think no, but let me show you why.
Perhaps a more relevant question is how we decide between two very good uses which is the best? I remember a story about a woman who took a years wages, in perfume format, and broke it on Jesus feet. Those assembled where horrified, yet Jesus called it a good thing. I wonder then if we can really say what is a good and holy without first understanding why this was a great act. I have heard hundreds of sermons preached on this very notion, to sum it up here in this space would be in appropriately brief. Yet I do believe what that all means about the expenses of the kingdom must be part of the answer
Lastly, my own pet theory, how exactly is it that you or I could say that this holy act is less important than than holy act? Are not all the ways of God valuable and worth every sacrifice? How do I judge between two lost souls? Which do I say is worthy of a gift and which do I say should have nothing given unto them? I do not know how this could be decided, and it seems that when I say the “very best” use of God’s money what I do is this: decide for myself what is and is not truly the will of God. If it is a holy and righteous act, then it is God’s will. To seek the “very best” use of God’s money is more an act of my selfishness and controlling the will of God than it is seeking after Him. It is to say the best of the will of God is not good enough.
The will of God will be accomplished. If you believe that, then there is no very best choice – there is no best choice, there simply is in accord with and in challenge of. His will will be done – on earth as it is in heaven. To insist on a very best is to arrogantly partner with God. He is either Lord or He is not.
~JCPunk
