Lately I have felt a little like getting a T-Shirt made with that sentiment on it. "USELESS!" At times it would seem to fit me well. I don't know about you but sometimes I come to these tunnels of despair that get a little overwhelming. Is this what they mean when people talk about a "mid-life crisis". You know...that point where you take stock of your life and realize that in terms of heart beats, most likely you have crossed the half-way point....more past than future...more thoughts of "post-mortem" than "post-modern".
It can weigh on you like a turtle neck made of sand bags. And it can cause you to consider the contributions you've made on this earth. Have I been used by God in any tangible way? Will my role in His story really count once I have moved on? Has my greatest adventure in this life come and gone? Did I miss my peak?
Probably a good time for a check up from the neck up. Back to the Biblical basics for that kind of foolishness. You see, there is a fundamental problem with this line of thinking, and here it is in simple terms so I can understand... IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! How self-absorbed! My calling is not to be significant for the kingdom. I don't need to learn to be creatively clever for the gospel's sake...and Jesus does not need me to be "useful". In fact, He doesn't NEED me at all. The One Who confounds the bright with the brainless ...the magnanimous with the mundane...the influential with the insignificant has called me to follow. He doesn't want ornate oration. He wants unwavering obedience. So, it is in my weakness and His cross that I boast for it is there that He is strong.
Not that I champion talking to myself, but here is a piece of advice to you "Mr. How Do I Fit In?"...OBEY! It's time to try that one on for size. Maybe even put it on a T-shirt...and you know the great thing about T-shirts? They're a lot lighter than turtlenecks!
