The story is told of an artist who searched for a man to be a model for a painting of the prodigal son. One day he saw a beggar in the street and asked him to come to his studio and pose for him, promising to pay him. At the appointed time the man appeared, neatly shaven and all dressed up. “Who are you?” asked the artist. “I am the beggar,” answered the man, “but I thought I’d get cleaned up before I got painted.” “I can’t use you as you are now!” said the artist, as he dismissed him.
All who come to Jesus for salvation must come just as they are. Simple trust in Christ, with no claim of their own merits – that’s what God is looking for. I believe this attitude is also a key to growth in grace and a life of useful service. After we are saved, we may begin to think that we must clean ourselves up in order to prove ourselves worthy. Pride and conceit blind us to the truth that, while we must “work out” our own salvation, it is God who works in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). Paul put it like this: “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Our part is to yield to His working in us.
An honest recognition of our continual spiritual poverty is necessary for our continual spiritual progress. While we are saved one and for all, that basic sense of need that prompted our initial response to Jesus must be maintained daily – yes, hourly – in order for God’s Spirit to be in control. He can use only those who rely on Him and maintain a prodigal posture throughout all of life. – Dennis J. De Haan
Lord, childlike we would be this day
With humbleness of mind and heart,
We want to know Your will and way
So that from You we’ll not depart. – D. J. De Haan
If you think that meekness is weakness, try being meek for a week.
- June 28, 1984, Our Daily Bread
For You 