READING: Isaiah 26-29; Psalm 65; 1 Corinthians 4
Some questions matter a lot. Think about these questions, for example:
- Will you marry me?
- Is the cancer back?
- What are the results of the election?
- Could I have just a bite to eat?
- Will you follow the Lord?
They’re all important questions—some life-changing, in fact. Today, though, I’m thinking more about one of Paul’s questions of the Corinthians as he confronted them in their arrogance. Divided and proud, they thought they were something. Against that backdrop, Paul asked them, “For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
It’s the right question for all of us. No matter what we can claim as our own – our wealth, our abilities, our training, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, our platforms, our relationships, our “stuff” – we did not gain any of it solely on our own. What we have, we have because God has graciously chosen to give it to us. We are, in fact, recipients of His goodness. Our blessings are not God’s reward to us for how good we are; they are instead His gifts to us in spite of our unworthiness. We must be humble, and we must be thankful.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for all You’ve given me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 30-32; 1 Corinthians 5
