Our Devotion for today is taken from: Amazing Grace Devotions for Lent by Michael Hoy.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—.
Ephesians 2:8 NRSV
THE BOAST OF FAITH
We may sometimes boast of our own works and accomplishments. Having a good record of achievements is helpful when it comes to finding work or having credit or being trusted by others. But such “success,” where it exists, can also lead us down a dark path and to a false sense of pride. It can even portray a false image of who we are, covering over the deeper truth of our failings.
Faith, however, is an act of humility. We come empty-handed, for we have nothing ourselves to claim as worthy except that we are gifted by God’s grace. Faith is trusting that our Lord makes us worthy. Faith is bold enough to boast in that promise, and faith will be put to good use for this world. We share the love and mercy that we ourselves have received through Christ.Through faith, we dedicate our own lives for the care and redemption of all that God has made.
Friends,
My good friend, the Rev. Karen Noel, introduce a phrase to me that continues to offer guidance and perspective: “It’s not about us, it’s about what God can do through us.” As Michael’s reflection echoes, sometimes we can get misguided thinking that our accomplishments, pedigree, influence, and status define our significance. Yet, as Rev. Noel’s mantra asserts, it’s not about what we accomplish, the titles we garner, nor the number of people in our entourage. What is most significant are the lives that we positively impact by allowing God to work through us. As we continue through this Lenten season, let us attune our hearts and heads to how God is leading us to connect and welcome others in transformative ways.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer:
Lord, trusting in your saving grace, lead us to humble acts of love and compassion for all. Amen.
-Michael Hoy