What do you rely on?

Dearly Beloved, I trust this finds you well and bubbling in the Lord. Recently, we have looked at the mark of true circumcision. According to Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we note that true circumcision is not about the physical cutting of the flesh rather for Christians it is to “…worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances–“ (Philippians 3:3, AMPC). Interestingly, Paul then goes on to write that “Though for myself I have [at least grounds] to rely on the flesh. If any other man considers that he has or seems to have reason to rely on the flesh and his physical and outward advantages, I have still more!”

 

Are there things in your life that make you feel confident and prideful? Perhaps riches, a strong religious background and family, intellectual and mental capacity, education? True circumcision is not about what we have or do not have, it is about what God has done for us. Everything we have really comes from God – to start it all, He made us. If He did not choose to make man, you would not be in existence. 1 Corinthians 4v7 (AMPC) says “For who separates you from the others [as a faction leader]? [Who makes you superior and sets you apart from another, giving you the preeminence?] What have you that was not given to you? If then you received it [from someone], why do you boast as if you had not received [but had gained it by your own efforts]?”

 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your mercy and Your grace. We thank You because all that we are is because of You and we are grateful. We pray that we never look to ourselves or rely on ourselves, but always rely on You and what Christ did for us. Indeed, without You we are nothing, and it is in You we live and move and have our being. Blessed be Your holy name forevermore in Jesus name, amen.