No matter how far we stray, God is always faithful. That is a truth we can rely on. We, on the other hand, have to really work at it. We tend to make excuses and cover up our sinfulness. We cannot. God sees all.
I had to chuckle at the line, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is.” Our sinfulness does set us apart from God, but he will always be superior. Our sinning doesn’t make God look better. He is the best no matter what we do.
What we can do is reflect him in our lives so that people see him at work. When we ask for God’s help to do the unthinkable and succeed where others have failed, God is glorified. Unless we claim our success to be by our own efforts and not point back to God. Give credit where credit is due.
Some of my favorite examples of God being glorified are when God chooses the unlikely candidate for a job. And with God’s help, they knock it out of the park. I think of Noah, Gideon, Moses, even Paul. The list is very long of great saints whom God has used in mighty ways. He can use us, too.
The text today is pointing toward our sins. We should never downplay them. God is a loving God, and he will forgive us, but we should never take God’s grace for granted. God does not overlook sin. He sees it. He hates it. So why do we keep on doing what displeases God?
No matter what, God is true. We don’t ever have to second guess God. He is faithful, he is righteous, and he is watching us. The Jews have a special place as the chosen people because they have known God longer. That doesn’t mean that we, if not Jews, are any less precious in God’s sight. Jew or Gentile, we will all have to answer to God for our sinful behaviors.
God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on us. We, on the other hand, must rely on God. We must take responsibility for our own actions. After all, we did it. We cannot blame others for our own failures and sinfulness.
God is faithful. Listen here to GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.
Spend some time today quietly thinking through how you can do a better job at taking responsibility for your actions and move closer to becoming who God intends for you to be. His faithfulness will never end.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for my failings and selfish heart. Forgive me when I make excuses for my bad choices. I know I must take responsibility for my actions, good and bad. Give me eyes to see with clarity where I can clean up my life to be more in tune with you. Thank you for your faithfulness. It is indeed a great thing, and my heart is overflowing with gratefulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
