JC Blog

Have you ever been in the shadow of someone great? Have you ever struggled to be noticed or valued for your abilities and strengths. Growing up in a large family, being the youngest of four, sometimes it was hard to be noticed. All great accomplishments and milestones in life had already been achieved by those who came before me.

I am so thankful that God does not show favoritism. The Amplified Bible puts it this way, "For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]. ( Romans 2:11 ) Recognizing this will release you in life to go after God's best for your life.

It is easy to look around at others and identify talent and appreciate the mighty ways that God can use that person. In the same way, it is easy to look at another and determine that they are hopeless to be used by God or to make a difference in the kingdom. We as human begins assign value to ability.

However, the truth is, God does not show favoritism, God is no respecter of persons. He has offered his Son and the free gift of salvation to every human being on this planet. Regardless of who they are, what they've done or what talent or ability they possess. That association is the benchmark of what makes one great, not natural aptitude.

Looking at the book of ACTS, you will see an example of this. God mightily used the men who had been chosen to serve and wait upon the New Testament church. It doesn't take a lot of skill to distribute food, but ACTS records that they were great men of Faith and tremendously used by God. Recognizing that he has called and invited everyone into fellowship with himself is key. It is God who calls and qualifies, all those who come to him. Nothing is of ourselves.

So today, be encouraged that you are blessed, loved and highly favored by God. He has chosen you, not for the value that the world assigns to you, but because He loves you and wants to have relationship with you. Your value has been assigned by God and by His Son and that far outweighs anything the world has to offer you!

This passage is talking about God's final judgment at the end of the world. If you look at this passage it looks like God will judge you based on your actions and reward according to your works. However, Paul builds the case for Jesus throughout the entire book of Romans. And how we need to be saved by grace and faith in Him along. If we understand that, then verses appear to contract the theme of the book of Romans. However, we know that scripture does not oppose it's self, therefore we view these verses in light of what Paul is saying overall.

This passage, in context of the entire expose to the Romans, Paul maintains that we are saved by grace ( Romans 3:23-24 ), that no one will be declared righteous by observing the law ( Romans 3:19-20 ) and finally, that we will only be justified through faith in what Jesus did for us. ( Romans 3:24-28 ). Therefore, the only action that will be rewarded with eternal life is the action of faith not of works.

We have a choice in this life. The choice we have in this life is the choice of faith in Jesus. Faith is what saves us, not individual good works. We must put our faith in Jesus and that alone is the only thing that God will judge in determining eternal life verses wrath and anger.

What Paul is describing is that faith is an action. James says, that true faith has actions. "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." ( James 2:17-18 ). Paul is attesting to this, He is saying that for those whose faith is so real, it causes them to continue to do well... 'seeking glory, honor and immortality'... the result is eternal life. On the other hand, for those who reject the truth, the truth of what Jesus did for them, and follow in the ways of the world, then there will be destruction. It all boils down to a choice and the corresponding actions associated with believing that choice.

Today, it is my prayer that as you make this choice to trust Jesus with your life, you will continue on into the fullness of Christ. By knowing Him, the choices you make in life will spur you onto good deeds out flowing from His goodness and love. Paul says, the result is eternal life with our Lord and Savior! Amen!