When we depend on someone else for our sense
of value, we put our self into bondage to that person. Our motives, goals and
opinions revolve around that person's whims.
People come and go in our life. They have
unrealistic expectations of us, tire of us and dump us on the curb like a useless
sack of trash.
However, Jesus never ever leaves us or
forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He died for us in spite of our self and our
failings. He approves of us in Christ and fully accepts us with all of our
idiosyncrasies (Hebrews 13:8).
We can also put our self into bondage to religion
by attempting to earn God's love and acceptance. We drive our self endlessly to
work harder and to do better to please Him.
The truth is that our "self" is already
crucified with Christ (Colossians 3:3; Galatians 2:20). At Salvation, we are
fully accepted in the Beloved of God (Ephesians 1:5-7). God's Spirit fills us
to the brim and overflows on everyone around us.
We prove that we love Him by our obedience to
His Word (John 14:15). We do not always keep each letter of the law all the
time, but our motive in life is to walk in His ways (Galatians 3:24; Psalm
86:11-17).
God sees our whole heart - including our
secret intents and motives (1 Samuel 16:7). He encourages us to keep our self
unspotted by the world (James 1:26-27).
Jesus loved us even when we did not love Him
(1 John 4:19). We feel secure in His love, because it is not dependent on
whether we earn or deserve it. It is a free gift, which lasts forever (Romans 3:23, 6:23).
Prayer:
Father God, the world values human attributes
like popularity, physical features, power, influence and financial abundance;
but You reward faithfulness to Your Word. You discern our secret intents and
motives and discipline or bless Your children according to the desires of our
heart (Jeremiah 17:10).
Help us to shed the trappings of this world
that we carry with us into our relationship with You. Purify our thoughts and
teach us Your ways, so that we want only what You want and value only those
things which bring You honor and glory forever and ever.
Thought for the Day:
We attempt to justify our motives and actions,
but the Lord weighs them on His scales; as we consult the Lord, He will guide
our steps and establish our plans in His will.
- Proverbs 16:2-3
