Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Paths (05/17/04)
TITLE: Picture Of The Cross By Robert Coskrey 05/22/04 |
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and purpose. Many of us have mastered the game
of gaining these from the approval of others. Many
of us has experienced the pain of disapproval and
we still pursue approval. We do as a means of
gaining confidence and become trapped in the
thinking that our confidence come from opinions
of others and our actions.
Instead of basing our confidence on the grace
of God, we base base it on our ability to perform
and please others. When we do this, we only ask
for a disappointment. It is nice to be approved of
by others however, it doesn't always happen.
The cross is the true measure of our confidence.
Christ thought enough of us that He gave his life.
This was not based on our ability to perform
however, his unconditional love for us. Once we
realize this, we pursue the right things.
God is the one who arms us with strength and
gives us the shield of victory. He narrows the
path so we can't get off and instructs us in the
way we should go. God also stoops down and
takes an interest in us so we can be lifted up.
While people have the ability to let us down,
God is the one that lifts us up without fail.
People can lift us up but it eventually wears off
and we need more lifting up. It becomes an addiction.
One that can keep us from what God wants for us.
Our ability isn't based on performing and acceptance
however, the grace of God. God is the author and
finisher of our faith. We need to find out what God
wrote about our faith.
All in all, we can't sell ourselves out to the opinions
and approval of others. Instead sell ourselves out
to the picture of the cross..