Romans 5:18-20 (NLT)

"Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant."

II Corinthians 10:17-18 (NLT) "As the Scriptures say, 'if you want to boast, boast only in the Lord.' When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them."

This summer, I have had a really tough time realizing that God created me. It's a weird thing to say, I know. The idea that God created us sometimes seems too trivial to really dwell on. However, the fact that God created me became much more difficult to accept because I finally understood the implications that fact had on my life. As much as I didn't want to admit it, my whole identity is in the God who created me and in the Christ who rescued me. I didn't want to accept that everything good about me was put there by God, and not by myself, and therefore, was not to my credit.

We as humans have nothing to brag about for ourselves. We have inherited a sinful nature from the beginning of time and we have been redeemed, not by ourselves, but by Christ. EVERYTHING is to the credit of God. All the good we see in each other? Praise God! All the talents that we all have? Praise God! None of us have a right to boast for ourselves. However, we all have a right to boast about something because... The God of the Universe created me! The God of the universe thinks I am worth his love! The God of the Universe sent his son to die for me! My God is real, strong, caring, incredible, indescribable. Father, help me today to humble myself, and to give you the credit for my life. Thank you for everything you have done in my life and for filling in for all of my deficiencies. I love you, Lord. In your name I pray, Amen.

Extra time in the Word: Romans 5

Discuss in the comment section below:

Is the fact that all we have to boast about God encouraging to you or is it frustrating? Why?