Through him. Not through training, practice and effort. Not through righteous living, Bible study and prayer. We do those things but they can never turn effort into ministry that is acceptable to the Holy One. Our only hope of doing anything of eternal value rests in the undeserved kindness of Jesus. Place empty hands in the nail-scarred hands of the sinless Son, or throw your life on the garbage heap.

Though ‘I can do all things through Christ,’ (Philippians 4:13) without Him ‘I can do nothing,’ (John 15:5).

Through him involves more than performing in Jesus’ name. Our ministry must be the product of an intimate union with the Lord. Otherwise, though we may entertain and perhaps even impress some people, our best efforts are ultimately as useless and repulsive as – to use the language of Scripture – filthy menstrual rags and dung (Isaiah 64:6 – literal translation. See also Ezekiel 36:17. Philippians 3:8 – note also Titus 1:15f).

Strong language! But the Lord deliberately chose it. Apparently, this stark reality can be adequately portrayed by nothing less.

Taken from Musical Excellence Through Christ

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