“Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)
We are called and sanctified through our Lord Jesus Christ. No one has authority on their own. None does anything for the Lord except in the name of Christ. At all times and in all places, we are reminded that, as a person of faith, we are under the headship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is by grace alone, which is a gift of God, that we are redeemed and are thereby able to stand in the Father’s presence,
Help me, O Lord, with my pride which is at the heart of all rebellion, that I would remember always that the position I’ve been granted by grace is only because of what Christ has done for me. Guide me to be charitable with others and to reflect genuine humility. In You alone Lord do I have hope and only under Your authority am I able to do all things. Keep me under Your authority always.
Lord Jesus, by Your blood are we healed and only under Your grace do we have any merit. Teach me the line between the boldness of faith and the humility of service. Teach me to always be gracious with others, but also bold in what is right in the Father’s eyes. Show me what meekness is and what standing upon Your Word means. Lead me to be faithful to You now and always. Amen.
