I believe that it is imperative for us to regularly reflect upon and remember where we’ve come from…meaning, what He rescued us from. Not in a way that causes us to feel guilty or like terrible people, but in a way that reminds us that He did it all. He alone can save…it’s not from our own works.
Sometimes, people in church get so far removed from themselves that they begin to act without mercy towards those who are struggling with the same things they were struggling with when God found them. Or, they judge someone who doesn’t respond to God in the same way they did when they were found in their sin…unfortunately, I’ve seen this scenario played out over and over. It’s a religious self-righteousness. It’s offensive to God and completely unwarranted.
We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We’d do best to remember that.
Those who hate God and carry the liberal spirit are operating with the same spirit as the believers who have decided they alone are the standard for holiness. Both are rooted in pride. Both are disgusting.
I definitely don’t want to be partnering with any part of the liberal spirit.
He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me from my powerful enemies, from those who hate me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned His decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. To the faithful You show Yourself faithful; to those with integrity You show integrity. To the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but You humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:16-29
Let’s focus our hearts on this scripture and let it remind us how He has rescued us. He looked out upon the earth and picked you out and called you His own. He called you by name. You were chosen.
Never forget that, but also never forget where you’ve come from. Extend to others, the grace you needed when you were at your lowest point. It’s hard to do, but it’s what we’ve been called to.
Thank You, God, for saving me. Thank You for pulling me out of the muck and mire. Thank You for choosing me. God, forgive me for any time that I haven’t extended the same grace toward others that You gave me. Purify my heart. Hold me close. I need you so. In Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 