Routinely heard in the halls of churches, particularly the evangelical types, is the phrase, “God will use you for his purpose!” or, “God can use you no matter how unworthy you may feel”.
The trite sayings follow a line of thinking that we are all to be ‘used’ by God for God’s own purposes. But that’s odd theology that’s in fact rooted in an abusive understanding of what our relationship can be with God and each other. Can you imagine if a spouse said the same words for their partner?
“I just want to be used for his purposes!!!”
Ew.
It’s doesn’t surprise me when traditional and contemporary churches, rooted in patriarchy, throw around words like ‘use’. It’s a product of trying to diminish the agency of individuals and maintain control of bodies and choices.
Is there a better way?
On top of the abusive theological worldview is the action of twisting the connection between God and humanity as one of user and pawn from invitation. This implies an understanding that God doesn’t actually need any of us. It’s true.
The hope for creation can unfold with our without you. That’s hard for many Christians to accept especially if they’ve grown up with the idea the church, justice, or salvation only shows up when an obedient Christian appears preaching ‘good news’.
Yet God doesn’t need the church (that means you). The church most certainly should be chasing liberation in the here and now, but it’s not a requirement for God’s liberation to unfold in the present.
God won’t use you because doesn’t really need you.
Surprised?
Don’t be, there’s something better than being used.
Users take what they need to fill consumption and abuse to eventual discard. Your purpose isn’t to be used by God. Your value is greater.
God invites you to be a co-heir and participant in repairing the streets where you dwell. God invites you to be part of the hope to see justice roll down like a river. That’s a far cry from being used.