A moving on weekend to you,
A few weeks ago our gravel road starting washing out. So the County decided to cover the rutted part with asphalt. It sure looked good, but sadly, the dirt and gravel around and under the asphalt just kept on washing. The road had to be closed for a while.
It all reminded me of the end of Romans 2. It's where Paul explains the huge importance of our foundation or motivation for service. He says, "No, a true Jew (or Christian) is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law (or baptism or church attendance or good deeds); rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit." (Romans 2:13-26)
A few weeks ago our gravel road starting washing out. So the County decided to cover the rutted part with asphalt. It sure looked good, but sadly, the dirt and gravel around and under the asphalt just kept on washing. The road had to be closed for a while.
It all reminded me of the end of Romans 2. It's where Paul explains the huge importance of our foundation or motivation for service. He says, "No, a true Jew (or Christian) is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law (or baptism or church attendance or good deeds); rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit." (Romans 2:13-26)
And get this final word: "And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."
Even Jesus says, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" (John 5:44) Mmm....
Even Jesus says, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" (John 5:44) Mmm....
Lord, help us to aim at pleasing You (thanking You, delighting in You, and obeying Your promptings) instead of aiming at pleasing other people (basking in and working to get their approval and praise). Even though we don't have all the details figured out, aiming at God's way puts us on a sound foundation.
It will all be clear in the end when "The Lord comes who will ... disclose the motives of men's hearts and then each man's praise will come to him from God" (II Corinthians 4:5).
Blessings,
Ouida
