OUR BEST! (part 1 of 2) Trying to do our best is always a good thing to do. As has been said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Knowing we have done our best provides a sense of satisfaction even when we know in actuality we fall short of perfection. The problem is when having done our best leads to arrogance and boasting. This is no more true than in the realm of our spiritual life. In Isaiah we read. . . “(6) We have all become like one who is unclean, and ALL OUR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS ARE LIKE A POLLUTED GARMENT. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV) Do we find that discouraging? Do we find that thought a sobering one? Even when Israel followed the righteous acts of observing the law, it was not always whole heartedly. However, we must also understand that our own goodness is not enough to provide deliverance from our sins. If it were, Jesus need not have come to give His life for us. Without His sacrifice we would be lost! The reality is we all fall short. That fact should humble us as we continue to seek the help God provides. In his letter to the church at Rome Paul declared. . . “(21) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -- (22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (23) for ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, (24) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:21-24 ESV) We cannot save ourselves. As good as our good deeds might be, they are not sufficient. Since we all fall short, what we need is the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. That is something Paul eventually realized was his need. (Philippians 3:9) Because “our best” is not good enough, God chose to SEND THE BEST ON OUR BEHALF; His Son. In response to His gracious and loving provision, continuing to give our best reveals our sincere appreciation for Him and the life He brings. Have a great day DOING OUR BEST TO REVEAL SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THE LIFE GOD HAS PROVIDED IN CHRIST! Carl
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:23:43 +0000
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