Finding True Confidence in Christ Alone
Adapted from Managing Your Emotions
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
It is easy to put “no confidence in the flesh,” meaning in ourselves, if we feel we have nothing to be confident about. But if we have many natural reasons for self-confidence, it is even more difficult to learn that putting our confidence in anyone other than Christ is foolish and a waste of time. It actually hinders our success instead of helping it.
God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him rather than being independent. In John 15:5, Jesus teaches that if we remain vitally connected to Him, we will have fruitful, productive lives in the ways that really matter. He also says that apart from Him, we can do nothing. All of our so-called success comes from our relationship with Him, so we have no rea- son to feel self-confident. We have every reason to be confident in God.
Jesus calls those who are weary and overburdened to come to Him and says He will give them rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28–29). This invitation is, I believe, especially applicable to all the self-reliant, self-confident people who are worn-out from trying to do things on their own. The apostle Paul, who wrote today’s Scripture passage, could have felt self-confident about his Jewish pedigree and his many impressive accomplishments before he encountered Christ. But once he met Christ and experienced His grace, he realized that nothing he did had any value unless Jesus was first in his life at all times and in all things. What a great example for you and me to follow.
Prayer of the Day: Jesus, help me remember that apart from You, I can do nothing, and that I must place my confidence in You alone.
