Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 11:27
Have you ever done the right homework on the wrong day? Or, have you arrived for an appointment to only find out that you were there at the wrong time? As diligent as you were to do the homework or be at the appointment, if it’s not at the right time and day, then you get no credit.
The same is true with God. We think it’s easy to get credit when we are nice to people who are nice to us. Or, when we are generous with those who are generous with us, we think God smiles. “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” But in truth, it’s not when things are easy that God smiles, its when they are challenging.
Jesus reminds us that how we represent God in those hard cases really gets us credit. It is when we are the target of people’s venom and we return kind words in response that we get God’s attention. It is when others mistreat us and we return compassionate acts that God smiles because that is a clear representation of His character. Don’t run from difficult situations with people. Use them as ways to show God that you love Him more than you love yourself (pride).
Remember your reward will come from God not people! That’s the best credit you can get!
Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28