ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Depending on what translation of the Bible you use, the opening of the verse might say that Christ is the end or the culmination, but I personally like the use of the word: goal. Even more interesting is that Christ is the goal, the end that we are seeking. It is only when Christ is the goal that our lives might begin to portray the righteousness of God. Too often followers of Jesus believe the goal is heaven or a righteous life, or maybe for some, the goal is regular church attendance (that would be nice right now). Yet those are secondary to Christ as the goal. Have you ever become distracted from the real task at hand? Maybe something as simple as doing the dishes, but you notice how the sink is a bit dirty. So you get the Comet and start scrubbing, and once the sink looks great, you walk away without completing the original task of washing the dishes. But if you would have washed the dishes in the first place, the sink would have been cleaned as a result of washing the dishes. That might be a bit of an over simplification, but when we make Christ the goal, and remain focused on that goal, we begin to better understand the depth of grace and the unconditional nature of love. It is only when Christ is the goal that we are able to observe a life where grace and love were lived so well. If we want to live a righteous life, a life that is right in the eyes of God, then it is necessary to have a model of that life and to know that we are loved by God, not because we have achieved righteousness, but simply because God has chosen to love us. Christ is the beginning and end of all that is necessary to live a life that is right in the eyes of God. When Christ is our goal, everything else will begin to fall into place. Prayer: Through the study of scripture and moments of prayer – just like this one – I know that you, Lord God, will help me make Christ the goal. Assist me in that work, for though I hope to be a good person and to someday know the fullness of life in heaven, those need to be put aside as I put your gift, Jesus Christ, as the end and goal of my life-energy. It is in his name that I pray. Amen. WEDNESDAY STUDY & PRAYER via WordPress https://ift.tt/3cYzAbK
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AuthorRev. Bruce Frogge Archives
October 2024
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