There are very few men who were more God-centered in their thinking on life, salvation, regeneration then John Calvin. He is a hero of mine, not because of his doctrine, or the church that he led, though both have had tremendous influence on my own ministry, but rather it is his thoughts on God that cause me to have deep admiration for this pastor. The level that Calvin thought at and then lived out is a testimony to a life that was wrapped up in the glory of God going forth.
For Calvin, his life was marked by making much of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a says, "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price." In response to this Calvin writes:
"If we are not our own, but the Lord's, it is plain what error we must flee, and to what purpose all our deeds must be directed. We are not our own, therefore neither our reason nor our will should guide us in our thoughts and actions. We are not our own, therefore we should not seek what is expedient to the flesh. We are not our own, therefore let us forget ourselves and our own interests as far as possible. But we are God's own, to Him, therefore, let us live and die. We are God's own; therefore let His wisdom and will dominate all our actions. We are God's own; therefore let every part of our existence be directed toward Him as our only legitimate goal."
I pray that you would take hope and encouragement from this, we are God's own, He bought us with a price, and we are called to live for Him. Meditate this week on Romans 12:1-2, how does your life look like this? Let it stir your affections for God to a new depth and a renewed desire to see Him glorified in all you say and do.
LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE
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