Heavenly Father,
We love to keep score, to determine champions and also-rans.
Usually those with the most points or achievements
are pronounced winners.
So I find myself comparing my works to others
as though I’m in a game to win.
That’s not only unproductive but can be deadly in my spiritual life.
I want to win in that contest and to be known as a spiritual person.
And I’m afraid that my deeper motive is to gain favor with you,
thinking you will love me more if I work harder and better
in my religious responsibilities.
I can easily laugh at the Pharisees,
mocking their legalism and hypocricy.
But I act the same when I take pride in how well I keep your laws
(and my additions to them) compared to others.
Instead, I need to keep my eyes on Christ;
remember that my salvation is all because of grace, not works;
and understand that I can do nothing
without your Spirit empowering me.
Help me know that I should do good because you love me,
not to earn your love.
David R. Veerman, American author
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If you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.
prayer & verse 