Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Difference and Dignity of all Creation


Psalm 37 
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 

 

Life is a beautiful journey where the only constant is change. Every stage of life has its own difficulties, but God commands us to pursue his righteousness in all of them. In  the passage for today’s devotion, we will be exploring God’s promise to those that  seek him and remain righteous in his  eyes. A famous quote from Hellen Keller states “character cannot be developed in ease and  quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,  ambition inspired, and success achieved.” This is particularly applicable to our faith  journey; the true test of our faith and character occurs when we face adversity. In fact,  the most typical practice among Christians is to compare our experiences to those of someone we consider to be a sinner. Throughout the Bible, God offers kindness to his  creatures and reminds them of the dignity he bestows on them. We can draw parallels  when seeking God's righteousness; we should pray for our trespassers and others who  are on the wrong path. Simultaneously, be certain that the Lord responds to those who seek him. Psalm 37 is  a poignant reminder to us that, while difficulties are unavoidable and the wicked appear to be thriving, we must maintain our confidence in God because deliverance is  promised to those who seek him.  
Being critical of others is a natural human tendency. It could happen because the  opposing party has damaged us beyond the scope of words, because they disagree  with our understanding of the Bible, or because they are at fault either legally, socially,  or in both circumstances. As Christians, we are encouraged to keep acting in ways that  please the Lord. In Matthew 6:33, God says, "But seek first his kingdom and his  righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." And showing grace in  the face of difference and adversity is part of seeking his kingdom. 
All of God's creation is valuable, regardless of our social status. God sacrificed his own  son on the cross to preserve our dignity. Despite our sinful state, salvation is offered  to us through the blood of Christ. People frequently attempt to interpret the Bible in  ways that suit their own tastes, but if we are seeking God's will, we will first approach  the Bible and seek the counsel it provides for living. Psalm 37 exhorts us to remain  righteous in the eyes of the Lord and to maintain our emphasis on his truth, for the  Lord will not abandon them.  

Prayer
Lord, we pray that we can seek you first in our lives. We pray that we can show the grace that you have shown us to others as well. We pray that your word becomes our guiding force. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 
Thought for the Day
“But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction.” Romans 3:21-22

 
Christo Abraham 
Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York.

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