Today's Scripture:
Acts 13:43
When the congregation
was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul
and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of
God.
Today's Thought:
It's easy for us to fall back into the mentality that our
works save us. It makes so much more
sense to us that as we do good things God becomes obligated to give us
something back in return. This was
especially logical to a sect of the Jews who relied on the Law of Moses to save
them. As the good news became available
to non-Jews (Gentiles) some of these Jews became angry that Paul and Barnabas
were not requiring the Gentiles to observe all the requirements of the
Law.
This reveals a flaw that we might have. We expect others to do all the things we do
in order to be worthy of God's grace. We
consider our service more deserving of God's forgiveness. We do more.
We work harder. We are more
worthy. We fall into the comparison
trap!
This mentality does nothing but create division and strife
among God's people. The clear message of
the Gospel is that all have fallen short of God's glory and none of us is
better than the other. When we think we
are deserving we begin to look down on others and begin the slow and perilous journey
away from the wonderful message of grace.
When tempted to rely on your works, be urged to continue in
the grace of God!
Today's Prayer:
Father, keep me from comparing myself with others. Keep me from thinking that I am better; that
I do more; that I am more deserving.
Help me to be gracious to others and allow your grace to flow to all who
turn to you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
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