People cannot do any work that will make them right with
God (NCV, Romans 4:4).
Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) wrote: “O Lord our God,
grant us the grace to desire Thee with our whole heart; that so desiring we may
seek and find Thee; and so finding Thee may love Thee; and loving Thee, may
hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed us. Amen” [9].
During these few days before Thanksgiving, I am once again compelled
to thank God for his saving work in my life. Coming from a holiness movement
background, it is always tempting to fall into the thinking that says my
behavior earns me right relationship with God. Today I am reminded that my best
behaviors are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) before a perfect God.
We must remember that holiness is about loving God so much
that it affects who we are, which in turn affects how we act. John wrote that we
love because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19).
It goes back to the words of Moses: For I command you
today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands,
decrees and laws (Deuteronomy
30:16).
“Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by
the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and
worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen” [10].
TODAY’S MEDITATION
What motivates your good
behavior? As God’s love is poured into your life, may it flow back to him in
worship and obedience.
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