[Jesus continued to answer his question about eternal life] You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Mark 10:19-20 NIV
Here’s a guy who was pretty sure that he had mastered it all … and claims that he had begun this perfectly obedient life as a child! Oops! This was where his spiritual “heart problems” began to show through his veneer of legalistic righteousness. Instead of keeping the law to honor God, this fellow was using his law-keeping as leverage to exalt his status before God. His approach missed the point. The pride of law-keeping became the false god that shattered the whole point of true devotion to God.
Today’s Prayer: Father in heaven, you are holy and majestic. I know that my attempts to be holy are sometimes going to be met with failure. I commit to work at being a holy person, but I know that my own efforts, even on my best days, are going to fall short. I thank you for giving me a righteousness beyond my abilities, works, and efforts. Thank you for Jesus, whose sacrifice for me makes me righteous and thank you for the Holy Spirit whose power works on transforming me into your character and holiness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Reprinted with permission of Heartlight.org
See you on Sunday for Worship,
Pastor Woody Woodward
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