Comments on: We Are Beggars. That is true. http://prayeramedic.com/2009/07/we-are-beggars-that-is-true/ A web-based missional intercessory prayer and resource-equipping ministry Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:45:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Dan O'Day (prayeramedic) http://prayeramedic.com/2009/07/we-are-beggars-that-is-true/comment-page-1/#comment-832 Dan O'Day (prayeramedic) Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:24:23 +0000 http://prayeramedic.com/?p=770#comment-832 I guess that depends on an individual's motivation. Luckily, God considers our hearts over our outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7). I can't really think of a time when I would beg God to applaud my performance versus simply longing for His acceptance, which I receive by grace. If the motivation behind seeking applause is "Notice me! Notice me," then it is probably wrong. But if the motivation is "I hope you are pleased with what I have done for you and for your name's sake," that's another issue altogether. Even still, in Luke 17:7-10 Jesus seems to suggest that it may be wrong to seek God's applause at all: "Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Of course God has granted us sonship, but we mustn't forget that we are also His servants. If God chooses to applaud us (and He very well may), that is wonderful. But that is also only by His grace. It's probably not something we should seek after. I guess that depends on an individual’s motivation. Luckily, God considers our hearts over our outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7). I can’t really think of a time when I would beg God to applaud my performance versus simply longing for His acceptance, which I receive by grace. If the motivation behind seeking applause is “Notice me! Notice me,” then it is probably wrong. But if the motivation is “I hope you are pleased with what I have done for you and for your name’s sake,” that’s another issue altogether.

Even still, in Luke 17:7-10 Jesus seems to suggest that it may be wrong to seek God’s applause at all: “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Of course God has granted us sonship, but we mustn’t forget that we are also His servants. If God chooses to applaud us (and He very well may), that is wonderful. But that is also only by His grace. It’s probably not something we should seek after.

]]> By: jWinters http://prayeramedic.com/2009/07/we-are-beggars-that-is-true/comment-page-1/#comment-834 jWinters Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:06:47 +0000 http://prayeramedic.com/?p=770#comment-834 This may sound asinine, but I don't really mean it to be. When I read "seeking God’s gifts as beggars rather than His applause as performers" I thought to myself - "Is it ok to beg for God's applause? [knowing we don't deserve it]". What do you think? in Christ, jW This may sound asinine, but I don’t really mean it to be. When I read “seeking God’s gifts as beggars rather than His applause as performers” I thought to myself – “Is it ok to beg for God’s applause? [knowing we don't deserve it]“.

What do you think?

in Christ,
jW

]]> By: Dan O'Day (prayeramedic) http://prayeramedic.com/2009/07/we-are-beggars-that-is-true/comment-page-1/#comment-833 Dan O'Day (prayeramedic) Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:41:34 +0000 http://prayeramedic.com/?p=770#comment-833 Doing well, Steve. I also read yours on my reader, but haven't stopped in for awhile - I know how it goes, lol. Tiffany and I are doing good, just celebrated three great years of marriage! Doing well, Steve. I also read yours on my reader, but haven’t stopped in for awhile – I know how it goes, lol. Tiffany and I are doing good, just celebrated three great years of marriage!

]]> By: daltonsbriefs http://prayeramedic.com/2009/07/we-are-beggars-that-is-true/comment-page-1/#comment-831 daltonsbriefs Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:23:13 +0000 http://prayeramedic.com/?p=770#comment-831 Well said and written Dan, I'm sorry it's been far too long since I've stopped in and commented, I do read all your posts though on my reader. Hope you and your family are well? Well said and written Dan, I’m sorry it’s been far too long since I’ve stopped in and commented, I do read all your posts though on my reader. Hope you and your family are well?

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