Daily Devotions
Not Yours, But You
Title: Not Yours, But You
By Joshua Carter
Reading for July 18: Isaiah 12-14
Weekly reading for July 15-21: 2 Corinthians 10-13
For people who never do anything selflessly, it can be very difficult to understand someone who acts out of pure motives. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, was constantly confronted by such people, and much to his discomfort, he was often forced to defend the motivations behind his life and actions. In 2 Corinthians 12:14, Paul reveals a glimpse into his heart with a statement that is very brief, but strikingly profound.
“I seek not what is yours, but you.”
Paul’s greatest desire was not the approval of these people or any of the high praises of men. He didn’t want their goods or their money. If those were his goals, it wouldn’t have made any sense for him to leave all of those things behind to become a minister of the gospel.
Paul says that he wanted them, and in that selfless appeal, the One in Paul is clearly seen. Jesus constantly told people, “Follow Me” and “Come after Me,” not because He wanted anything they had to offer, but because He wanted them. Jesus wants personal, sacrificial service. Our self-surrender is the essence of our Christianity.
The way that transforms our lives is by transforming our perspective of what following Jesus is truly about. On one hand, it eliminates “me-centered” religion, where we constantly concern ourselves with what we’re getting out of our service to God. On the other hand, it also eliminates “me-degrading” religion, where we constantly concern ourselves with how worthless God must view our offerings. Both of these attitudes are eliminated when the “me” that brings such exasperating turmoil is totally surrendered to the One who wants me most.
When we realize that what Jesus truly wants is us, we’ll naturally give Him everything we have, too. But we’ll also find a balance by realizing that it’s not about how much we have to offer, but about how much we fully sacrifice ourselves.
Too much religion is based on surrendering some of our more superficial parts to the Lord while the greatest enemy, Self, sits undisturbed on his throne. The truest picture of a follower of Jesus is someone who can honestly say, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Father, thank You for seeking us so diligently. We have no greater purpose than Your purpose and no greater joy than Your joy. Help us to break down whatever barriers prevent us from surrendering the entirety of ourselves to You.
