THANKFUL

Monday, January 17, 2022,

Lord, as a Christ-follower, I want to live according to Your precepts. Society, who for the most part does not know You and are critical of Your followers, set unrealistic standards they think Christians should follow.  So the question is: what criteria identifies me as a “good” Christ-follower and sets me apart from society?

Your Word describes true Christ-followers as being kind and compassionate, generous, seeking to right wrongs, slow to speak, quick to forgive, and quicker to extend grace in all offenses. A true follower of Jesus Christ studies Your Word, prays regularly and loves “the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30). A true Christ-follower lives 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, the “Love” message. Lord, I know all these things however at times, I can be a real jerk. I’m self-centered, critical of my fellow Christ-followers, snippy with those around me, practice judgment without knowing the facts. Sadly, there is much more, especially with that “love message” thing. I’m constantly beating myself up all the time because—well, I’m just a lousy Christian. I miss the mark You’ve set for those who follow You.

But faithfully, here Your Holy Spirit extends new levels of grace. “Study the ‘heroes of faith’ I’ve recorded in Hebrews 11. Enoch was the exception,” You explain. “Noah, Abraham, King David, the prophets, all repeatedly failed. Of course, you can’t meet my standard for righteousness. No one can. But I see your contrite heart. I see your willingness to quickly repent when you fail, and I see your humbleness to acknowledge your need of Me every day, every hour. Yes, you fit my criteria for a good Christ-follower. Never forget My grace has you. Now—let’s keep moving forward in the Kingdom of God.”