But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

The little boy had just finished the last -- very big -- piece of cake when his mother entered the kitchen.

With sternness in her voice, she said, "I can't believe you ate the entire thing! How could you do that, without even thinking for a moment about your sister?" The boy's reply was hardly a matter of tact. He said, "Mom, that's not fair. I was thinking about her all the time. I was thinking, I hope I finish before she comes in."

Adults aren't much better than that little boy.

We know what's right, but we often try to get away with stuff that isn't quite correct.

That truth was brought home to me this morning as I drove to work. Getting onto the expressway, I found traffic was going about 20 miles an hour above the speed limit. I had a few seconds to decide if I would keep the speed limit (and watch the other drivers fly past me), or join the crowd of law-breaking commuters.

I joined the law-breaking commuters.

That doesn't mean any of us thought we were doing the right thing. We didn't think that at all. When we spotted a police car parked alongside the road, all of us, every one of us, slammed on our brakes and started to do what was right.

We did right until that squad car was out of range; then, our speedometers began to climb again.

The Lord must look at our sorry, sinful antics and shake His head. His wandering children are so sad, and they are so predictable in that sadness. How obviously we need a Savior. How thankful we should be to have one.

Indeed, we are blessed to have Christ as our Redeemer. His perfection has accomplished all that we never could. His suffering, death, and resurrection offer forgiveness, hope, and an eternity in heaven.

In His honor I'll try to do better when I drive home tonight. Really, I will.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for sending Your Son to be born under the Law so I might be forgiven of my transgressions. May I be given the ability to witness to His love by the way I live. In the Savior's Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Job 1-2    Matthew 7

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