Episode Summary
In this episode, I explore the idea that while God is perfect and complete, He still yearns for a relationship with us. I make the case that God needs us—not from any lack within Himself, but from His divine love. I look at scripture that shows how we're called to be God's representatives in the world and why our consent to this relationship matters to our Creator.
What You'll Find in This Episode
* Why God desires relationship with His creation despite being perfect
* Biblical passages showing God's yearning for connection with us
* Our role as God's representatives in the world
* The importance of our free choice in our relationship with Him
* How ancient prophetic messages apply to our modern faith challenges
Episode Chapters
* [00:00:10] Introduction: The concept of God needing us
* [00:01:19] God's perfection and His desire for relationship
* [00:02:23] Biblical examples of God's jealousy and desire for relationship
* [00:05:39] The importance of not worshipping other gods
* [00:07:09] Modern idols: How we prioritize money, success, and careers over God
* [00:08:15] God wants genuine relationship, not forced obedience
* [00:10:02] The significance of choice and consent in our relationship with God
* [00:10:48] How we are God's hands and feet in the world
* [00:14:13] Our responsibility to advocate for God in a secular world
* [00:15:48] Christianity as a religion of service following Christ's example
* [00:17:24] The importance of heart, obedience, and surrender to God
* [00:18:26] Prayer as daily guidance: "Make me your instrument"
* [00:20:04] Closing prayer and invitation to connect
* [00:21:39] Final thoughts on finding purpose in serving God
* [00:22:50] Call to connect through Substack and contact information
Key Insights
"God is perfect, He's complete, He's whole. He is the beginning, the middle, the end. He is everything. He's unchanging, but He loves us so dearly."
"Who will represent God if it's not us? Who will speak on His behalf, who will advocate for Him and what He desires?"
"The heart is where this lives. The heart is where God lives. The heart is where Jesus is with us. This is where our Holy Spirit is."
Ways to Connect
* Join our community on Substack
* Email your thoughts and questions to orderwithin@substack.com
* Read the accompanying Written Reflection for this episode: God Needs Us | Written Reflection
* Browse God-centered merchandise at my wife's RedBubble store
Share the Message
Did this episode speak to you? I invite you to share it with someone who might be questioning their purpose or struggling with their relationship with God. Your share could bring someone closer to understanding God's love and purpose for them.
"Father, show me the way. Show me what you desire. How can I be your instrument? How can I serve you? Make me useful to you."
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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