Complimentary Story
“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of Him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:20, 27-31).I return to these verses often, lest I start to think that I deserve, through any goodness of my own (which Scripture clearly states, I have none!), the grace God gives me daily, as His beloved child through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
It’s only by the grace of God that I praise God, that I know God, that I breathe my next breath. Yet, it’'s so easy to fall for that trap that I somehow can earn or somehow deserve the love of God through Jesus Christ.
It’s also a trap to think that, if I do things just right and present the Gospel in just the right way, others will flock to Jesus. Scripture shows us the error of that thinking.
If I try to do things apart from the grace of God, in opposition to the Holy Spirit’s leading, then the work is filthy rags, for it’s done in my power for my glory, which is of no worth in God’s eyes at all; that is sin.
In my own strength, I’ve forgotten Who God is, who I am apart from Jesus Christ, and that it’s only by His grace that I am redeemed. But, if I live in His grace, led by the Holy Spirit, mindful and focused on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, for God’s glory, whether people respond kindly or abusively, is not up to me.
Salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:10)
