Thursday, January 1 | When Good Things Become God Things
Day 4: When Good Things Become God Things
Reading: Philippians 3:4-11
Devotional: Paul had an impressive spiritual resume—circumcised, zealous, blameless according to the law. Yet he counted it all as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. Our legalism often hides behind genuinely good things: being a devoted parent, serving faithfully at church, studying theology deeply. These aren't bad, but when we point to them for assurance of God's favor, they become idols. What are you pointing to for confidence before God? Your ministry involvement? Your moral uprightness? Your theological knowledge? Paul had more reason for confidence in the flesh than most, yet he recognized it was worthless for righteousness. Only Christ's righteousness counts. Today, identify what "good things" you're tempted to trust in and surrender them, finding your confidence solely in Jesus.
Reading: Philippians 3:4-11
Devotional: Paul had an impressive spiritual resume—circumcised, zealous, blameless according to the law. Yet he counted it all as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. Our legalism often hides behind genuinely good things: being a devoted parent, serving faithfully at church, studying theology deeply. These aren't bad, but when we point to them for assurance of God's favor, they become idols. What are you pointing to for confidence before God? Your ministry involvement? Your moral uprightness? Your theological knowledge? Paul had more reason for confidence in the flesh than most, yet he recognized it was worthless for righteousness. Only Christ's righteousness counts. Today, identify what "good things" you're tempted to trust in and surrender them, finding your confidence solely in Jesus.