Thursday, February 28, 2019              

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Galatians 3:23–29
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. (NRSV)

Reflection
This passage reminds me that the gift of salvation—unearned but available to all God’s children through grace—is the great equalizer among peoples. We are a spiritual family in which geography, race, politics, language, and gender no longer have the power to divide us.

Committing to a Christ-centered life is our common ground. Together we are free. We are lifted up and bolster one another. Our differences can be celebrated, without the taint of fear.

From the pulpit, we are encouraged to form our worldview through the lens of being a Christ-follower. One’s words and actions then come from a perspective of love and respect. We see others as spiritual beings and fellow children of God and, again, find common ground.

Years ago, when I was first asked to write a devotion as a member of Fourth Church, I was flattered, daunted, and challenged (in that order)! Over the years, it has been a joy to focus on a text and discern the wisdom it reveals about my own life, about living in community with other Christians in a secular world.

I liken the pursuit of seeking truth in scripture to a portrait in which the eyes of the subject follow you no matter where you’re standing in the room. Like those eyes, the Word finds each of us and reveals a living truth that exists beyond time and space. As Christians, the promise and gift of salvation through Christ is at the apex of that truth, and it frees us from fear.

Prayer
Holy Creator, be present with me as I attempt to lead a Christ-centered life. Lift me up when I stumble, and give me courage to lift up others, even when that’s difficult to do. Help me to see and be your truth and beauty in the world. Amen.

Written by Holly O’ Mara, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email