May 13

”Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own…” (Romans 10:3 NIV)

All too many Christians lack proper focus. Instead of seeking God, one wants to find oneself. Sometimes it seems that the churches’ foremost duty has become, to help people to find their own self-worth. Instead of teaching people to praise God in the highest, and serve in self denial and acts of love, we teach them to ”embrace your inner child” and through the use of various means improve one’s self esteem.

This hunt to better one’s ’I-am’ doesn’t lead to a greater and richer knowledge of God nor to a healthier life. It shows clearly instead, that we hesitate to follow the path that God has marked out in order that we can be whole persons. His path includes laying our faults and shortcomings at the cross of Christ and accept His grace of renewal and restoration.

Prayer
”When my thoughts be filled with doubt

And without force encounters hinder

And no longer strives to battle

Enfold it in Your peace.”

(Psalm 217 – Swedish Psaltery)