October 23: Not a Bit of It!

Many years ago, my mouth dropped to my chest as I heard a famous evangelist tearfully exclaim that no one - not even Jesus Christ Himself - had ever been as persecuted as he was. At the time, I was furious that he would dare to make such an accusation when all his trouble was brought about by his own sexual immorality. Now, however, I realize that he probably really believed that because, as Chambers points out, humans tend to be so "prejudiced" toward their own failings. Fortunately for us, God says, "Not a bit of it!!"

Dear Jesus, help us to see our own faults clearly and not justify our actions so that there will be nothing of "the old order left." Help us to let you deliberately wipe out our dramatized versions of why we are helpless in our sin, and learn to rely on You to make us new!