2020 Daily Devotion - Day 83
Free-market capitalism has done more to lift people out of poverty than any other economic system. It is not perfect, however, it is highly efficient. It rewards innovation and excellence. It meets needs that would be ignored in most other systems. In the book, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, he talks about the “invisible hand”. By this term he means the unobservable market forces which cause supply to meet demand. It is why we sometimes see a new invention and ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
We are constantly engaged in the system of capitalism. We understand that hard work and sacrifice are rewarded. In addition, we know we earn most everything else; not only our paychecks, but the respect of others and many other rewards. And as important as this is in our lives, we sometimes can get to the point where we think the same is true with God – we must earn His reward. But the problem is we cannot. The reason is because our Almighty God is pure and perfect. He is without sin, and if we are going to have a relationship with Him, we would need to be just like Him, and no one can be. This is why He became a man in Jesus and came to rescue us through His cross.
Romans 5:6-8 RSV
While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
If we think like a capitalist when it comes to God, we might conclude He should simply abandon us. But He doesn’t. He comes to rescue us when we don’t deserve it. This is called grace.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we cannot earn Your love and acceptance. But in Jesus, You came to rescue us from our broken condition. Through this season, help us to always remember that Your grace not only saves us, but sustains us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
We are constantly engaged in the system of capitalism. We understand that hard work and sacrifice are rewarded. In addition, we know we earn most everything else; not only our paychecks, but the respect of others and many other rewards. And as important as this is in our lives, we sometimes can get to the point where we think the same is true with God – we must earn His reward. But the problem is we cannot. The reason is because our Almighty God is pure and perfect. He is without sin, and if we are going to have a relationship with Him, we would need to be just like Him, and no one can be. This is why He became a man in Jesus and came to rescue us through His cross.
Romans 5:6-8 RSV
While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
If we think like a capitalist when it comes to God, we might conclude He should simply abandon us. But He doesn’t. He comes to rescue us when we don’t deserve it. This is called grace.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we cannot earn Your love and acceptance. But in Jesus, You came to rescue us from our broken condition. Through this season, help us to always remember that Your grace not only saves us, but sustains us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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