The Trap of Using Christ?

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I was sitting in class one evening about 15 years ago when I was in seminary, when the instructor, David Powlison made this statement, A lot of people treat Jesus like the big valium in the sky. Nodding my head in agreement, I thought that was a good thing. You can imagine the sick feeling in my stomach when Dr. Powlison proceeded by explaining how short-sighted it was. I knew I was guilty of exactly what he was talking about. That was precisely how I had been treating Jesus, as my sedative. I figured that was better than taking a drink, a Xanax or a valium. Don’t get me wrong, finding peace in Christ is better than any pill but, He is so much more than that. (Please do write me to tell me the necessity of these meds, I am fully aware of their benefits and sometimes the value of short term use – that is not the point of this Victory Call).

I had fallen into the bad habit of enjoying my relationship with Christ for what He did for me, for what I could get out of it. If that had been a human relationship it would have been said that I was using that person. Had I fallen into the trap of using Christ?
Why is it short-sighted? I was failing to appreciate Christ for who He is, not just what He can do for me. He is worthy of my worship whether He ever does anything at all for me. He is worthy of honor and fear. He deserves my respect, pleasure, and love.

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will, they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11; Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing! Revelation 5:12; Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever! Revelation 5:13; Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Delight yourself in Jesus because of who He is, not just for what He does for you. My meager words fail to capture the grandeur and magnificence of His Person. He is so worthy of our moment by moment worship.

Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and a women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.


Think About This: There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. – C.S. Lewis

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick

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