I overheard a conversation between a father and son. The son was ... miffed because he had prayed for something and it didn't happen. "It didn't work," he said. I had a conversation with a guy about Christ. "I tried that," he said. "It didn't work." "Didn't work"? What does that mean?
When we say that something works, what are we attempting to convey? We're saying it does what it's supposed to do. The car works if it gets you where you're going. If you wanted it to plant wheat, it doesn't work. So, "I prayed and it didn't work" suggests prayer is designed to do what I want it to. "I tried Jesus and it didn't work." What, exactly, was he expecting Jesus to do? Make his life better? Solve his problems? Jesus doesn't work ... like that.
So, let's be clear. Prayer is not to get your divine butler to do your bidding. And Jesus isn't about making your existence here on earth better. His ultimate purpose is His glory (1 Cor 10:31). Prayer, in accordance with His will, serves that purpose and ... works ... to glorify Him. Jesus died to save us, and believing in Him accomplishes that ... it works. If we think God isn't working, I suspect we don't really understand what He's about. Which, of course, is a common occurrence.
2 comments:
The notion of “I tried religion, and it didn’t work” reveals the self-centered heart of one who is unregenerated. Following Jesus is not an outcome-driven “life hack” of sorts for obtaining worldly success--i.e. just one option among others to consider from a “what’s in it for me?” mindset. Similarly, “I prayed, and it didn’t work” is erroneously results-oriented and misguided. Prayers are not magical incantations but communication with the sovereign God who, as you say, works without fail. May I repent of any such self-serving inclinations and always seek His will and His glory in all things.
I like this post. It didn't "work" because you didn't use it as intended.
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