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     When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:1-4 (NLT)

Heavenly Father, we need Paul’s declaration and admonition today, and every day. His model (and joy) of relying on the resources of the gospel and the power of your Spirit is both indicting and inviting.

Indicting, because the performer and perfectionist in us is always waiting to jump into action. Every sphere of life has hard-wired us for performance-based living—education, sports, finances… sadly, even our relationships. It’s so easy to get “sucked” into trying to gain, maintain, and grow people’s approval (or our own sense of worth) by what we do.

Too often, we label a day “good,” or “bad,” based on the quality and quantity of our production. Rather than resting in our identity in Christ, we want to find something note-worthy, praise-worthy, and brag-worthy in ourselves. Of course, what other’s think about us is going to impact us. We’re people, not robots. And, of course, whatever we do, we want to do well and for your glory.

That’s where this Scripture moves from indicting us, to inviting us to a freer, more gospel-shaped way of life. Perfection—being enough and doing enough, can only be found in one place—in Jesus. Father, we already have your acceptance, favor, and delight through the riches of the gospel. What can mere people add to that?

Owning our weakness and default mode, today we’ll seek to rest in your love and rely on the Holy Spirit. And forsaking all scorecards, we’ll seek to make Jesus our primary boast. Help us, Father. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus loving and powerful name.

 

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