Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:21–22
One of my most challenging experiences was to visit refugee camps. I met people who had nothing, completely dependent on the goodwill of others. Their human spirit revealed itself in the ways they managed their daily lives. Yet some grew despondent, seeing daily life as a fruitless distraction from their responsibility in securing their family’s future safety.
My life is unremarkable by comparison. I’ve enjoyed a stable background, academic success and freedom of expression. I’ve encountered unwelcome events, but overall I’ve managed life OK.
I’ve not needed rescuing apart from our shared human need to escape the consequences of sin and separation from God. Even this was a pretty simple journey.
I embraced Christianity, made my home in the church and enjoyed the benefits of fellowship and faith. I never experienced the acute sense of anxiety of those I met in refugee camps.
So I took my Christian faith for granted with its privileged citizenship in God’s Kingdom. No longer stateless, I had a purpose and a future.
During the long weeks of lockdown, I had the opportunity to consider just how grateful I am for the love of God that saved a wretch like me. I have always gladly responded to God’s love, yet struggled with faith until I faced the reality of my sin.
Comparison with others, so often my source of self justification, was irrelevant, for I had no less need of grace than the greatest sinner on earth. I’ve slowly come to value the scale of God’s rescue and surrendered completely to God’s love.
Something to Consider: Where have you encountered God’s love in your life this week?
An Action to Take: Is there some step that requires an act of faith in your life ? What stops you from taking that step?
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, present me holy in Your sight, without blemish and free from accusation.’
Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash
Used with Permission
