Contemplative Bible Reading

Philippians 3:3 (New Living Translation)

For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,…

Notice the second and third sentences of this verse. Perhaps there is a mistake in translation. I mean, uh, look at the words. Those are absolute terms. Perhaps the words should be:

We rely mostly on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put just a little confidence in human effort

ooops. My paraphrase is wrong. I have to adjust my reality. God, help me with my unbelief. I mean, really folks, I’m a good, tax-paying, hard-working American. I am where I am because of my efforts.

Really? No, not really.