First

It’s not first about my religious acts,my spiritual duty, or the degree of my obedience. It’s not first about what I believe,the precision of my theology,or the truthfulness of the creedI embrace.It’s not first about whatI give,the regularity of my charity,or the amount of my benevolence. It’s not first aboutmy teaching, my preaching,or the truths that I have shared withothers.It’s not first aboutmy humility, my faithfulness,or the extent of my obedience.It’s first about you—your righteousness,your wisdom,your power,your authority,your grace— and howyou have unleashed all of them for my forgiveness,my rescue,my redemption.My life is no longer aboutme,it is first and foremost aboutyou.For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph. 2:8–9)What elements of your spiritual and religious life are you most likely to pride yourself in?How can you go about today making sure Jesus is first in your life?For further study and encouragement, read John 13:1–20