READING: Proverbs 1-3, 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4
If you were to summarize your conduct before God and others over the last year, what would you say? What words would you use to describe your life? Would you say what the apostle Paul said about himself as he defended himself before opponents in Corinth, “Indeed, this is our boast: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom but by God’s grace” (2 Cor 1:12)?
His words are quite challenging, actually. His opponents were numerous, and it surely would have been easy for Paul to cross a line and respond sinfully. That he did not do, however. He could “boast” in a positive way that God’s grace had allowed him to walk faithfully with Him before others. “Godly sincerity” and “purity” marked his life.
How I want to follow God in such a way that I might with integrity claim Paul’s words for myself. If that happens, I know it will come about only by God’s grace.
PRAYER: “God, regardless of what I face today, help me to live this way.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 4:1-6:19, 2 Corinthians 2:5-3:6