Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Philippians 3:4, ” Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so. “

Background

I have this odd habit (admittedly I have many more than one) of turning things into an international competition for all time. By this I mean, if there is an activity or action that I have done repeatedly for many years, I will eventually wonder if I have done it more than any other person in the world. For example, I have worked at my current location for almost twenty years, and the office itself has been here for almost thirty. I tend to park my car in the same spot every day, which has changed only a couple of times based on my office location within the building. So eventually I begin to wonder if I’ve parked my car in that spot more than anyone else in history. I also generally sit in the same spot in church, and so the competition is whether anyone has sat in my spot more than I have. Obviously, the results of these and other whimsical contests are irrelevant and inestimable, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering over them and that fictional international crown from time to time.

Application

Most of us are ordinary Joe’s, not equipped for or bent on international stardom and supremacy. We are probably not the world’s greatest anything. But we do have some things that we are proud of, abilities or giftings or skills or possessions that provide us a sense of uniqueness. Deep within our souls, we may even feel a tinge of superiority. And if you could roll out the résumé that Paul could, then your attitude might be justified to an extent. But before God, it’s a lost cause. In fact, our hearts should be desirous to not have to present anything on our behalf before God. A proper relationship with Him presupposes that nothing deserves a place before His throne, the least of which are our pitiful accomplishments and aggrandizements. So heed the call to do your best and be your best. Give all that you have to be all that you can. And when you turn to face the Lord, have nothing in your hands, even less in your portfolio, and only His grace and mercy as your hope.

Charge

As we seek Him today, take full account of all that you are and have, and then write it off as nothing as compared to Christ and Him magnified.