Contemplative Bible Reading

Philippians 3:3-4 (New Living Translation)

3 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, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

Let’s focus on the last phrase of verse 3. I don’t like this. Americans don’t like this.

We put confidence in human effort.

This is the American way, the American dream. I work hard. I go to school. I get a job. I show up everyday and I…I…I…I.

And this passage tells me that the writer disregards all that. Well, he wasn’t an American so…He was a Christian and he exhorts Christians in all places at all times. Rely on Christ Jesus and what Jesus did for us—all of us in all places at all times.

Thank you God for my blessings. Thank you God that I was born at this time in this place. Prevent me from counting my circumstances as anything more than they are, just something that happened.