Your life: Barbarian or Civilized?

God's Call on your life:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5

All too often our response is:

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
Jeremiah 1:6

Your inadequacy is no surprise to God, but His extraordinary outcomes will be a surprise to you.

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you."
Jeremiah 1:7

A Lesson from the branch of an almond tree:

The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied. The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
Jeremiah 1:11-12

A Lesson from the boiling pot:

The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?" "I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered. The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land... I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made."
Jeremiah 1:13-14, 16

Barbarians influence Civilians.

Civilians are influenced by Barbarians.

"Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-- against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land."
Jeremiah 1:17-18

God's promise to the Barbarian:

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:8

"They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 1:19

Our tendency is always to move toward civilization, but God is most effective in us as we move as barbarians toward the unknown.

Where has your faith become Civilized?