For Me?

"What did they ever do for me?" Those are words acknowledging no obligation. No feeling of indebtedness. No sense of gratitude. And the statement seems to imply no need of acknowledgement. Perhaps that is the way we have sometimes felt toward another, but has it ever come across as our focus toward God? Even if we haven't verbalized it, have our actions and life choices ever hinted at it?

As Paul tried to get those to whom he wrote in Rome to recognize what their life was being based on, he stated. . .

"(12) So then, brothers, WE ARE DEBTORS, NOT TO THE FLESH, to live according to the flesh. (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but IF BY THE SPIRIT YOU PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YOU WILL LIVE." ( Romans 8:12-13 ESV)

The word translated "debtors" comes from the Greek "opheiletes" which refers to "one who owes another, a debtor," and "one held by some obligation, bound by some duty." [Strong's Lexicon] When we incur a debt, we are obligated to the one to whom we owe it. Now, even if that debt cannot be fully repaid, we still are under obligation to respond to them in a proper manner. If we don't, it demonstrates both a lack of appreciation to them and indicates no sense of being indebted to them.

To what -- or whom -- do we feel indebted? According to Paul it is not to be to the flesh. Still, we live a world very enslaved by the flesh. The flesh, instead of the wisdom of God is behind the actions and choices many are making. Perhaps a good question to ask ourselves is this: "WHAT HAS THE FLESH DONE FOR ME?" Sometimes it gets us into trouble because we reacted without thinking. Misdirected affections move toward making wrong choices. The flesh is sometimes weak in spite of the spirit being willing. (i.e. Matthew 26:41) and a struggle occurs. That is why the Lord encouraged the disciples to pray.

On the other hand, what has God done for us? What has the Son done on our behalf? What benefit have we received from the Spirit of truth? Is that not where our greatest sense of debt or obligation is to be centered?

May we remain truly in awe of God for all the blessed provision He has made for us. HE GAVE us life and the hope of it for eternity! HE GAVE His one and only Son and the Son willing GAVE HIMSELF on our behalf, providing salvation we can neither merit nor do we deserve! HE GAVE us His Spirit to guide and strengthen us. Therefore, when we feel a sense of "For me?", let it be such as will humble us and draw us affectionately and appreciatively toward God. May it cause us also to be eager and excited about doing His Will.

Have a great day REVEALING WE APPRECIATE THE LIFE WE OWE TO GOD!
Carl

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