Father, I am grateful for Your guiding hand. Steering me in the right direction, even when I make wrong turns, helps me to walk with greater assurance and determination once I’m back in line.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (<<click here to read the passage)
One thing that seems to be in very short supply in the Church today is humility. If we would ask the average unbeliever on the street to give us adjectives describing Christians today, I don’t think humility would be anywhere near the top of the shared verbiage.
On social media and the political side of things, at least, “Christians” readily come off as bullies. We are often seen as pushers of God’s agenda without an ounce of love. And that is our problem. There’s nothing wrong with taking a stand for what is right. There’s nothing wrong with upholding Biblical truths, but when they are accompanied by hate and derision – with the result being an even wider division – what is accomplished? Nothing but boosting our own egos – inflating our own self-worth. How do we build God’s kingdom if that is our approach – and don’t dare say that we aren’t in the right! Doing so gives us another reason to blow up.
I’ve said it before: look through the Gospels, and you will not find Jesus giving it to non-believers. Yes, He doesn’t let things slide – He doesn’t just ignore their waywardness, but there is never anger or disdain or outright condemnation to the depths of hell. Those He readily and forcefully dished out to were His day’s “religious” leadership.
Unfortunately, we, as did they, hold ourselves to be above the rabble of sinners. The problem is, where did we start – we were sinners. Romans 3:23 clearly states,

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… NIV

Ephesians 2:8 sets the record straight.

For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God… AMP

With all these things fresh in mind, read verse 7 from today’s text.

For who regards you as superior or what sets you apart as special? What do you have that you did not receive [from another]? And if in fact you received it [from God or someone else], why do you boast as if you had not received it [but had gained it by yourself]? AMP

Be humble, Christian. Follow in the loving footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ…and Him only. Amen.

Oct 17th, 2023, Tues, 12:48 pm