Faith and Favoritism

– June 30, 2017 – 

When you were a kid, did you get treated like the favorite, or the not- so favorite? I was an only child, so I was the favorite, at least in my home. What the world treated me like was sometimes an outcast, or better put, just outside the popular group. Occasionally allowed to join in, but almost never allowed to shine.

As an adult, my job for many years was based on competition. Being in the right place at the right time. I took pride in my work, knowing that I did things right and to the best of my ability, and knowing that doing my best would be rewarded.

If you haven’t ever thought of yourself as a favorite, I encourage you to think about this, “But God demonstrated His own love toward us (you), in that while we (mankind) were yet sinners, Christ died for us (you).”(Romans 5:8) Let that sink in for a while and marinate in your heart. God went first! He showed His hand before mankind even knew that He was “holding all the cards.”

Paul wrote “Faith, hope, and love” are the foundations of a Christian life. Faith is the starting point. My reward for doing my best was based on faith. Faith that my work and decisions would encourage someone else to buy what I was selling. Looking back, I know that God was directing me and my efforts. Through faith we are lifted up, justified, and recognized as being chosen.

Faith that God is truth, He never tempts us, and is always there for us is the foundation of our relationship with Him. Knowing that Jesus was His son, was blameless and sinless, and died that way willingly, gives us depth of hope. Hope springs love. When Jesus died for us, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us and show us what God has in mind for us, through the the gifts that He has given each and every one of us.

Know that God has chosen you first and loved you first. How you choose to live your life, is how you reciprocate His love. Blessings to you.

(Photos of Our Daily Bread daily devotionals)