Simply not a Commodity II

In my last post I remarked on Job's insight that wisdom is only found in God. As Job 28 makes clear, you can't buy it or simply search for it - it is not a commodity.

Whilst this is an important concept for our own walk with God, it has mission implications too. It reminds us that our primary task is leading people to God - and that is not a commodity that can simply be bought or sold. Just as in Acts 8:18-24 a guy Simon got it so wrong in thinking that the imparting of the Spirit could be purchased, we can easily get it wrong too.

The subtlety is that as witnesses/evangelists/ministers we run the danger of getting it wrong the other way round: i.e. not that we think we can 'buy it', but somehow behave as if it is 'for sale' in some way. Not necessarily by demanding/expecting money, but perhaps by implied loyalty to us or our work, or in any number of other behind the scenes ways (quite possibly un-intentionally).

Yet to lead someone to God, to enable them to find the wisdom that Job talks of, is to ultimately set them free - free of any shackles or ties that humanity-in-its-sinfulness might inadvertently subject people to. Yes, totally free - captive to none except the love of God through Christ.

So whatever method you use, whatever you expect of people as you lead them towards God's grace, do a double-take and make doubly sure that you really are not trying to trade in some commodity or other.