I love going to church … for several reasons, but one particular reason is because I usually end up learning a WHOLE bunch of new stuff. I comprehend so much better when someone actually breaks the Scriptures down into bite size pieces … it’s easier for me to chew that way. Sometimes it is hard to take it all in, it feels like I’m trying to drink from a fire hydrant, but I would rather have too much to eat than not enough.
Well, this past Sunday the preacher was speaking on the parable of the prodigal son. He was specifically speaking in regards to the “other son.” The son that stayed home and obeyed his fathers orders.
At one point I was the prodigal son, but I am no longer. Praise the Lord; I have been found! At this point in my life I tend to relate more with the other son. The biggest way that I relate to the other son is through a false mindset of faithfulness and fairness. For example, having thoughts like, “look at all I’ve done for you.” In the previous phrase notice how my attitude shifted into one of self-righteousness. Truth is … I could go the rest of my life without blessings from the Lord and still I have more than when I was lost.
Stay with me … switching the focus onto Paul’s life …
1. Many believe that Galatians is the first book that Paul wrote.
Galatians 1:1 – Paul introduces himself as an apostle
2. 1 Corinthians 15:9 – Paul says of himself, “For I am the least of the apostles …”
3. Ephesians 3:1 – Paul refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus
4. 1 Timothy 1:15 – Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”
5. 1 Corinthians 2:2 – Paul resolves to know nothing except Jesus Christ …
What a humble progression?!?! Paul starts by calling himself an apostle and then later claims to know nothing. That is my heart for the race … that the Lord will continue to humble me, continue to show me that without Him I have nothing to offer and continue to beckon me into closer relationship with Him.
