the ultimate security
"Do not love money but be content with what you have, for God has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you.' " —Hebrews 13:5
Our greed and discontent are based on our fear of rejection. Throughout our life, we have been rejected many times. We have even half-believed the devil's lie that God will reject us because of our sins. But would Jesus die for our sins and then reject us because of them?
Sin does not cause God to reject us; rather, it is a sign of our rejecting Him. Jesus has never rejected and will never reject anyone (Jn 6:37). He does not even reject those in hell, although they have rejected Him. Therefore, we need not try to buy security or be upset with what we don't have, as if possessions protected us. Instead, we can live as free people and "say with confidence: 'The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?' " (Heb 13:6) We have nothing to worry about. Our heavenly Father will always provide. He even sent His Son Jesus to die for us. "What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that He Who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?" (Rm 8:31-32)
I am secure because of my Father's love, my Brother's death, and the Spirit's indwelling. I cannot be rejected by the Lord. I am free.
Prayer: Father, may I be fearless in situations where I've always previously been afraid.
Promise: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." —Heb 13:8
Praise: Ed used his forced retirement as an opportunity to grow spiritually.
Reference: (This Lent, to grow in security in God, read the Bible each day. To help you, we have a forty-tape audio series of teachings on the New Testament. To start, order the four tapes covering Matthew, #700, 701, 702, and 703.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, August 18 8, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 23, 2004