Taking Jesus Out of the Equation | August 26

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I think that as soon as we lose sight of our need for a savior, we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees. I've seen it in my own life, though it looks a little different than the Pharisees that are normally described in Scripture. Whereas the Pharisees believe themself sinless and thus not in need of a savior, I know myself to be full of sin but I think I can take care of it myself. I've begun to strive for an outward perfection so that no one can see the tomb that is inside, "full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth."

When I remove Jesus from the equation of salvation, a whitewashed tomb is the only thing left. Without a personal relationship with Jesus, "Christians" simply polish up the outside by "being a good person," while inside their souls rot away. Sometimes it can happen without us even realizing it. We become scrupulous and self-dependent. We think our salvation and purification is really about what I do to get rid of sin, forgetting that we can't do anything without the grace of Jesus! 

I challenge you today to consider your own spiritual life. Is Jesus really an intimate part of it? Or have you sidelined Him as you try your darndest to figure everything out yourself? You might be surprised by what He has to say on the matter...

 

-Amanda Benner, Director of Evangelization