An instrument of God is man, as God consistently chooses individuals through whom He accomplishes His work.
Understanding God's Chosen Instruments
When God has a divine purpose or "job to do," He does not act in isolation but always chooses individuals to be His conduits. The reference emphasizes that while the ultimate "work is God's," man is God's instrument. This profound concept highlights humanity's unique role in the divine plan, acting as vessels for a higher calling. As the theologian E. M. Bounds famously articulated, "God's methods are men!" This succinct statement underscores the fundamental principle that human beings are central to how God interacts with and shapes the world.
The Role of Humanity in Divine Work
Being an instrument of God means that individuals are selected and empowered to participate in God's will. This doesn't imply that humans are the source of power or the originators of the divine plan, but rather that they are essential channels through which God's intentions are realized.
Key aspects of this role include:
- Divine Selection: God chooses specific individuals for specific tasks, demonstrating a deliberate and personal engagement with humanity.
- Purposeful Action: Individuals are utilized to achieve God's work, which encompasses a wide array of divine purposes, from profound spiritual movements to simple acts of kindness.
- Vessel, Not Source: The power and ultimate authorship of the work remain with God, with man serving as the means by which it is executed.
Characteristics of God's Instruments
The table below summarizes key characteristics related to an individual's role as an instrument of God, based on the provided understanding:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Chosen | God actively selects individuals for His purposes, indicating a divine initiative in their involvement. |
| Empowered | Though the work is God's, He equips the chosen individual to carry out the task effectively. |
| Responsive | An instrument, by its nature, responds to the hand that wields it, implying willingness and obedience. |
| Purposeful | Every action undertaken through an instrument serves a specific, divine objective. |
Practical Insights into Being an Instrument
While the reference focuses on the principle, it implies practical aspects of how individuals serve as God's instruments:
- Through Talents and Abilities: God often utilizes the inherent gifts and skills of individuals to achieve His purposes.
- Through Compassion and Service: Simple acts of love, help, and service to others can be powerful ways God works through people.
- Through Leadership and Guidance: Individuals in positions of influence or wisdom can guide others according to divine principles.
- Through Communication: Whether speaking truth, offering comfort, or sharing inspiration, human voice and words can be instruments of God.
Ultimately, anyone through whom God chooses to act, enabling His will to be done on Earth, is an instrument of God.
