Christ's veil of equality

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

In the political discourse in this country I heard some people allege that the founding fathers of this country allowed and brought on slavery. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The founding fathers of this country were undeniably committed to the word of God. I'm sure this verse played a big part in their thinking. They wrote the Constitution with the idea that we are all one in Christ. No matter the color, sex or race we have our rights from God who sees no difference between us.

However, when governments and men begin to believe they are the authority that provides rights, Christ's veil of equality is lifted and the human nature of competition, pride and prejudice takes over. Our rights therefore begin to erode and soon we fall pray to man's rules which are supposed to restore our rights.

A good example of this is affirmative action. A government initiative designed to restore the rights of those who have been historically discriminated against. Problem with this? It does it at the expense of others.

I'm Hispanic and the last thing I want is special treatment because of my race. In the eyes of God I'm no different. I want to be considered on the merits of my work and experience, not my skin color of heritage.

When we all begin to take this attitude and dependence on God given rights not those manufactured by men, we will find true freedom. The type of freedom. The founding fathers had in mind.

You are created for good works

Ephesians 2:10

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When I read this verse I think of God's workmanship in non-human terms. Think of the awesomeness of a huge mountain. In 2007 I made frequent trips to Seattle and often saw Mt. Rainier from the airplane. What an awesome workmanship! Then on a clear day in Seattle you see the mountain and it reveals its prowess over the whole region. How can one look at. a mountain like that and not believe in God is beyond me!

I think of other works of God that simply take your breath away. From Niagara Falls to the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean. From the intricate design of a spider's web to the incredible array of stars that drape a moon less night. Evidence of God's workmanship is all around us!

All that is topped by the great work he has done in us to restore us from brokenness to perfection. Oh yeah, I know we don't often feel perfect but the key to remember is that in God's eyes, we are perfect in Christ.

So even in our own state of brokeness, we can find ourselves as the perfect solution for someone else. This is really the key of today's verse.

God can use us no matter what we think of ourselves. He delights in giving us an opportunity to be his hands and feet and we just have to realize that while we may be flawed and broken in our minds, God sees us perfect for a number of particular jobs.

So here is a question for you today; Will you think of yourself as God's perfect workmanship to do good works or will you be filled with condemnation and allow your mind to thing you can't do God's work?

His strength will carry you through

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

There is one thing that's almost universal. Whenever people are in there most troubled moments, they cry out to God. Whether it is out of a deep rooted believe that God can actually help or as a last ditch effort, calling out to him when in trouble is commonplace.

But in the verse above it says that he is our ever-present help in trouble. That doesn't mean that he waits till you are in deep trouble and you call out to him. He is "ever-present", he is there with you now and always.

In other words; he was there when your trouble started and he will be there when it ends. He allowed trouble to come into your life and he will resolved it when he has you where you need to be.

That's why he is our refuge and strength because he is ever-present. His watchful eye is there to keep us under his wings of protection.

So do you find yourself in trouble today? Think of why you have this trouble. Can you see God's protective hand despite your trouble? Why is God allowing this particular trouble in your life? What does he want you to learn or achieve?

You probably know the answers already but like me, you are either to proud or selfish to admit them. Your trouble could very well be there to get you to admit them!

But rest assured that his strength will carry you through.