Nov 01

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).

Those are the words of Paul, as he neared the end of his time in the army of God. He could look back without shame because he was faithful in his service to the Lord.

Notice that he was rightfully proud, not with the pride of the world that basks in its own accomplishments, but with a pride that gives credit to God for all that he has done. For elsewhere Paul says that he worked harder than anyone, but quickly adds that it was not himself but the grace of God in him (1 Cor. 15:10). And also in Col. 1:29 he says that he struggled mightily, with all his energy, but also then points the focus of attention away from himself and onto God, who worked powerfully in him.

Finally, notice in the passage from 2 Timothy that Paul makes not one mention of anything he has done. His pride is not in what he has accomplished but in the fact that he has remained faithful to Him who actually accomplishes all that his children do for him.

We can do nothing apart from Christ. That is a key message of John 15. Our satisfaction and pride of the right sort is to be found in being faithful to the One who does all that we accomplish, not in the deeds themselves.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 15:10; Col. 1:29; John 15
Thought for today: The reward of a life spent in faithfulness to Christ is no small reward.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, grant that when it is time for me to go to be with you, that I will be able to be like Paul and look back over my life without shame and to rejoice in your faithfulness in keeping me faithful to you.

NOV 01