GLORY IN CHRIST
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me...” Romans 15:17-18a, ESV
Theme: Focus not on what you can do but allow God to be glorified in all your struggles, successes, and even failures in building His kingdom.
REDEFINING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Searching for approval is a basic part of our human existence. Deep down we desire to be praised, recognized, acknowledged, and known. Personally, I have sought recognition for accomplishments in school, past business ventures, and even motherhood. As a 90’s and 2000’s kid, I was told to work hard and that I could do anything I wanted to do (and I was given the trophies to reflect that).
God wants us to work hard at the assignments in front of us (Colossians 3:23-24), but also to remember our ultimate calling and to do it all for Him. I’ve always loved Paul’s words to the church in Philippi: “though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:4-7, ESV).
WHAT CHRIST HAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH ME
As we just read, Paul had a lot of worldly things he could have bragged about. But instead, our verse of the day says he would “not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through [him].” In a society that seeks constant influence and recognition, that is a very bold and different way to live. It also requires two parts – having the humility to lay aside our earthly pride and the willingness to let Christ work through you. Let’s take comfort and, at the same time, be emboldened by the fact that Christ wants to accomplish things through you! As Solomon wrote, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4, ESV). God’s riches, God’s honor, and God’s life. That is certainly a life worth pursuing.
Make It Personal: So what has Christ accomplished through you? Take a few minutes today to reflect on all the ways God has worked through you. And if you’re having a hard time answering that question, would you pray for God to redirect your focus and allow your accomplishments to be for Him and His glory? He will do amazing things if you just allow yourself to be a vessel for Him.
Pray: Father God, thank You for all the wonderous and mysterious ways that You work. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of building Your Kingdom. Please help me to release my constant need for approval or recognition and to focus my efforts on things that bring You glory. You are able. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 15:14-22
Weekly Memory Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, ESV