by Anna Hodges

Created on: February 09, 2010

Seven Attributes God Looks For in His Servants

As children of God, we are re-born with a strong desire to serve Him and be used for His Glory. Unfortunately not all born-again Christians are aware that God looks for several attributes when He chooses whom He will use. The great men and women who carried out God's work in the Bible all possessed these characteristics, and were strong in their walk with Him. Below are seven qualities I believe God expects in those He selects to do His work.

1. God chooses people who know they are weak. After Moses died, God called Joshua to take his place as Israel's new leader. Over the span of four verses, three times God told him to "be strong and courageous". God knew and understood that Joshua was afraid and that he felt incapable of shouldering such tremendous responsibility. Admitting our weakness is a good thing; it helps us put our trust in the Lord. I like what Warren Wiersbe had to say about weakness, "You can never be too small for God to use; only too big".

2. God uses faithful followers. When Moses led the Israelites, Joshua was the one who assisted him in his work. Joshua was born in Egypt and he and Caleb were the only Israelites to make it through the journey in the wilderness to the Land of Milk and Honey. When I recall the many times God's chosen people whined and complained during their wandering, I believe Moses and Joshua had to have been very faithful and committed to keep going.

3. Those who study God's Word and live their lives by it are people worthy of God's calling. God told Joshua to "meditate in it day and night" Joshua 1:8. Meditate means to reflect deeply on a subject; think intently and at length. This intent reflection on God's Word gives us authority when He uses us. If we wish to do God's work, we must know His Word.

4. We must be patient and wait on God's timing. I cannot fathom leading a nation of people through a wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. What great patience Moses and Joshua must have had. God has His perfect timing and plans for work He calls us to do. He cannot use us if we rush in impetuously instead of waiting and listening for His direction.

5. God uses those who have a genuine burden for lost souls. When Joshua sent his spies to scope out Jericho, a harlot named Rahab hid the spies from Jericho's king. God knew Rahab needed saving and he would not pass judgment on Jericho until she was made aware of how to avoid the judgment that Jericho would face. God wants no one to perish; He treasures every soul. The greatest evidence of this is in His sending His only Son to die for a world full of sinners. If we wish to be used of God, we need to do the same.

6. To be considered for God's use, we must set ourselves apart from the ways of this world. God's Word tells us to sanctify ourselves by trying to live a holy life so that He can work His will through us. He does not expect us to be perfect, for that is not possible in our human form. Living a godly life keeps us in tune with His Spirit who gives us the discernment we need to know His will.

7. God uses those who have great leadership qualities. These qualities include working well with others, connecting and communicating with them, and inspiring them with confidence. Great leaders lift up their people encouraging them to move on in hope and faith, focusing on the final outcome, especially when they are faced with a great task. They are never negative, but strive to always see the positive.

2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

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