Is it possible for God to use a man or a woman greatly who is living in sin?

I grew up being taught that the answer is “no.” If you are living in sin, then God cannot use you greatly. Only those who are godly can be used by God to do great things. And if you believe that, then you must believe the flip side of that also – that is, if a man is being used greatly of God, then he must be godly.

And isn’t that what we assume? If we see a Christian whose ministry is flourishing, or her business is booming, or his children are successful, don’t we assume that that believer is a godly man or a woman?

The Bible teaches me that both are wrong. God can use a man/woman greatly who is living in sin. Samson is the case in point. Samson was not a godly man. He was a liar, fornicator, and was violent. And yet, God kept on coming onto him in power to accomplish what no other man could accomplish – judging the Philistines who were the enemies of God. Yes, Samson meets a tragic end. But that does not change the fact that God used him greatly to accomplish His purpose.

The flip side of this is also true. A man/woman doing great things for God is not necessarily godly. He/she could be. But his/her doing great things is no proof that he/she is godly. Therefore, don’t put your faith in a man/woman who is doing great things for God. There was only one man whose outward actions and inward godliness completely matched up, and that is Jesus Christ.

One more thing. This means that just because God is letting you succeed and do great things for Him does not mean that you are pleasing to God. He might just be using you to judge an even greater evil, but He will deal with you in due time.

Fall at His feet and ask for mercy before it’s too late…

PH