Bible Verses About Being An Instrument of God

When we unitedly serve each other and all of our Father’s children, we can be instruments in the hands of God, not only to relieve physical suffering but, more importantly, to succor those who are in need spiritually. Alma 26:3: “This is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.”

More so, service is a key to being an effective instrument. The prophet Alma the Younger tells us of revelations that he received: “I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it … yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy” (Alma 29:9).

What Does It Mean to Be an Instrument in the Hands of God?

Alma 26:3: “This is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.”

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president: “What does it mean to be an instrument in everyday terms? I think it means to nurture others. Joseph Smith called it acting ‘according to those sympathies’ in our hearts. … There are countless ways to be instruments in God’s hands. For example, be the kind of visiting teacher you’ve always wanted; ask a young single adult about what she likes to do rather than why she’s not married; share instead of accumulate; carefully choose your dress, speech, and choice of entertainment; smile at your husband or child who knows they’ve caused frustration and heartache; put your arm around a young woman; teach in nursery with a happy heart; show by your attitude that you are finding joy in the journey” (“Sweet Moments,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 107, 109).

Kathleen H. Hughes, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “The Lord has touched my spirit time and again, and more often than not, His touch has reached me through the hand of a friend. … Perhaps [we] would feel more of His love if [we] looked for His hand in the actions of those who care for [us]. … God knows the needs of His children, and He often works through us, prompting us to help one another. When we act on such promptings, we tread on holy ground, for we are allowed the opportunity to serve as an agent of God in answering a prayer” (“What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 74–76).

We Are Instruments in The Hands of God Bible Verse

As believers, it is important to understand that we are instruments in the hands of God. Just like a musical instrument in the hands of a skilled musician, we are called to be used by God for His purposes and glory. The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize this truth and remind us of our role as instruments in God’s hands.

Isaiah 64:8 – “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

2 Timothy 2:21 – “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

Romans 6:13 – “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

What Can I Do as an Instrument in the Hands of God?

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “You can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to help bring about this great work. … You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do. … Blessings and a comforting peace will come to you if you can love God ‘with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself’ [Luke 10:27]. … If you have done your best, which you usually do, your humble offering, whatever it may be, will be acceptable and pleasing to the Lord” (“Instruments in the Hands of God,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 115–16).

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “There is no end to the good we can do or the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and the desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, so that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us. In the words of the Lord to Joshua, ‘be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God [will be] with thee whithersoever thou goest’ (Joshua 1:9)” (“The Need for Greater Kindness,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 61).