Merit

“For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is God's gift, and is not on the ground of merit— so that it may be impossible for anyone to boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 WEY)

The current administration in the United States is pushing for a merit-based immigration plan. Potential immigrants would be judged on qualifications such as education, age, wealth, and fluency in English. It gives bonus points for those with Nobel prizes and Olympic medals. Many of us who are current citizens of the U.S. would not qualify to live here by these standards. 

Fortunately, God’s grace is not merit-based. We cannot fall out of His favor. We are not judged on our qualifications. God’s love and acceptance is unconditional. We don’t have to prove our worthiness. All we have to do is receive His grace by faith. We have been offered citizenship in the greatest of kingdoms. Now it is our turn to respond. Will we accept this offer, leave our current lifestyle behind, and relocate to God’s Kingdom.

Internalizing the Word

“You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NLT)

My cousin’s kids are fluent in two languages--English and their ancestral language of Malayalam. They spoke English in school, with their friends, and heard it on TV.  So, how did they become proficient in a language that is rarely heard in the United States? Well, their parents spoke it at home. They heard it first thing every morning when they woke up and every evening as they lay down. They heard it in the car on their way back and forth to school and on vacation while they relaxed. They heard it when they prepared and ate their meals, when they worked, when they played, and when they prayed. The kids automatically absorbed their ancestral language through immersion. 

How can we be a part of this world and still understand our Father’s language? We can take every opportunity to saturate ourselves in the Word of God. Repetition and practice reinforce what we learn. Once we have internalized God’s directions, they spread, as if by osmosis, into all aspects of our lives. Thus, even when we live and work among those who cannot understand our spiritual language, we retain what we know and can use it whenever we need it. The Word of God, once imprinted deeply in our hearts, will continually influence us and those around us.

Faith and Nationalism

“So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.”(Galatians 3:28 GNT)

Patriotism is the love of one’s country for what it does. Nationalism is the belief that one’s country is superior to other countries--no matter what it does. The latter promotes exclusion, intolerance, and violence. The New Testament teaches mercy and compassion, to love your neighbors and your enemies. I doubt that Jesus would condone bombing civilians in other countries, tearing apart immigrant families, or turning back refugees at man-made borders.

Unfortunately, our present ‘America First’ ideology has displaced God as the primary love of our lives. The idols of country, flag, anthems, political party affiliation, etc. can distract us from following Christ’s teachings. Why is this form of idolatry so widely accepted? It starts out subtly--a national flag in a church where people meet to worship God...perhaps a few patriotic songs as part of the worship service. After years of conflating love of God and love of country, it’s only natural that we hardly resist when the pulpit is turned into a political tool.

Nationalism adulterates faith. Those of us who claim to follow Christ cannot claim superiority, promote exclusivity, or endorse violence. This is a gross misrepresentation of the teachings of Jesus. Not only does it make all Christians look like hypocrites, it also blasphemes God.

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!  Look how far you have fallen!” (Revelation 2:4-5 NLT)

God the Rescuer

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:13 NLT)

I am concerned about many things today. I strive to do something, anything, to resolve the issues in front of me. Fear churns up worry. I feel agitated, unable to settle down. I take shallow breaths as I whisper shallow prayers. Trusting God with my concerns seems difficult in my current state of mind. Yet, I know I have no other choice. I realize my insufficiency, my powerlessness. Thus, I surrender.

Spiritual battles cannot be fought with earthly weapons or techniques. And, much of what we think are worldly issues are rooted in the spiritual dimension. When we approach our daily concerns with self-help, human knowledge, and whatever skills and resources we have, it’s equivalent to taking a knife to a gunfight.

Striving might make us feel less idle, but it also interferes with God’s work. As long as we keep trying to rescue those who are not in our power to save, we hinder what Christ is doing in their lives. We are not helping the situation; we are merely getting in the way.

Oh Lord, help me to trust you and not be afraid. Teach me to be still, to wait and watch as You handle every concern. Holy Spirit, take over.

Self Effort

“Do not let your adorning be external...” (I Peter 3:3 ESV)

I try to wear makeup when I’m going out. It makes me feel polished and self-assured. I have my routine down pat; it takes about five minutes for me to apply foundation, eyeliner, and lipstick. However, I find myself wearing makeup less often these days. Even though cosmetics make me feel better about myself, I realize that the confidence they provide is, well...cosmetic.

Most of what we present to the world, most of what others see and approve is superficial. We spend our time and energy on adornments, accomplishments, and acquisitions. We apply ourselves to constructing an exterior that garners approval and acceptance. All of this brings about a tenuous sense of self-esteem that vanishes as soon as the external facade is taken down. If my confidence is based on my makeup, clothes, accessories, education, job, wealth, relationships, car, home, abilities, etc., then it’s just a matter of time before it crumbles. All of these things are temporary. Conditional worthiness is not worth much. Thus, self-effort does not lead to genuine significance. It cannot. 

Craving to be Understood

“But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” (Galatians 4:9 NIV)

How many of your friends do you really know, and how many of them truly understand you? Do you share only what you are proud of, or do you reveal that which you are ashamed of as well? True relationship is about knowing the other and being known. Yet, much of our social interactions are based on maintaining facades which garner admiration. We are enslaved by some unexplainable force that makes us act in ways that are artificial and pointless. This miserable habit diminishes our chances of meeting a basic human need--the desire to be understood.

It’s a good thing that God knows us. We can’t pretend with Him. He knows us inside and out, the good and the bad. He sees us, recognizes us, and is aware of our every motive. He knows our past, present, and future. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. He shares our experiences and our concerns. There is no need to explain ourselves to Him. Despite knowing everything about us, He chooses to be with us. He claims us as his own. His unconditional love affirms us. His acceptance makes us inherently significant. 

O Lord, You understand me. I am awestruck that you still want to be with me and are willing to make sacrifices for me. Thank You. I want to know You better and get closer to You as well. Help me. 

Praying Psalm 139

Lord, examine me
You know everything about me
You always know where I am
What I am thinking, and
What I am going to say
You go ahead of me 
You follow me
Your reassuring presence surrounds me
Where can I escape from your love
You are there at my highest and lowest points
You are there in the brightest and darkest times
You shaped me from the very beginning
You know me inside and out
You have a plan for every stage of my life
You understand me
But I can’t begin to fully comprehend You.
Let me still live with You
Far away from wickedness
Having nothing to do with Your enemies
Examine me, O Lord
Look carefully at my thoughts and motives
Point out anything that is wrong
Guide me along everlasting ways