Upright in the sight of God. Luke 1:6

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
God uses upright people for fulfilling His mission. We are upright, not of our own accord, rather through the redemption that is ours through Jesus. As upright, yet still sinful people, we follow God’s commands.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 3
Bill told Julie what God had caused him to realize regarding what to say about Jesus. She laughed when he told her about the application of his favorite phrase. “I didn’t know I was married to someone so profound!”

She continued with a concern that had been on her mind. “I’m not sure I’m qualified to talk about Jesus,” she said. “After all, I’m not some holy person who has given up her career for Christ, or something like that. Why would God use me?”

Bill then reflected about himself. Sure, he went to church every Sunday. But, he wasn’t a perfect saint, either. He remembered how he had lost his temper at work and how he had broken his promise to Jenny, working late and missing her performance in the school play. How could God use someone so imperfect in His mission?

As he drove home from work, he noted a bumper sticker that read, “I’m Not Perfect—Just Forgiven.” Bill recognized he wasn’t qualified because he was perfect, but because, through Christ, he was holy and upright in the sight of God. That was the only prerequisite necessary for God to use him. Bill chuckled, thinking, “Who knew I’d realize something so profound from a bumper sticker?”

REALITY JOURNEY
Do you feel unqualified to be involved in God’s Mission? Realize the forgiveness of God in your life. Christ uses you because you are upright in the sight of God through His atoning sacrifice.

PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for forgiveness of any self-centered focus in your life, at the same time requesting, “God, use me in your mission.”

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 42-44    1 John 1

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