Today’s scripture: Romans 3:27-31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
When I was a kid, I loved school (and still do!). But I had this know-it-all streak that was always a little boastful. I just couldn’t help letting others know how smart I was. Whenever the teacher would hand back a test, I would ask other students, “so what did you get on the test” thinking or hoping others would ask me what I got. I seemed to think it showed I was blessed more, or I was given more, but I was a kid and probably didn’t know any better. This is something growing up has a tendency to cure, but not always.
As an adult, especially as a young adult going to college then starting a career, I probably got caught up in what it means to be a success. The more money I made, the better I was doing and the more I was blessed. One good thing is that I did not ask others, “so how much do you make.” I guess I grew up a little.
On the contrary, I knew someone in seminary who took pride in how little money they needed to live, and even competed with family members on who spent the least. Living frugally is commendable, but to make it a boastful competition seems to take away the noble attributes of doing it.
This short scripture passage is very succinct. There is no room for boasting. God’s grace and love is for all of us, equally. There is nothing I can do, nothing you can do. “So, how much grace and love does God show you?” It’s the same as me. None of us is given more or less by God because of what we do or don’t do. God loves us all the same. It’s all about how we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and allow ourselves to live in God’s spirit and love, in all aspects of our lives, so we can feel God’s grace and live in that grace.
Thought for the day: God’s grace is sufficient for all of us.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.