For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24 WEB.

It's easy for us, who are used to having positions, titles, and seniority in the workplace, to carry those ideas into the church. After we've been around the church for a while, we can feel we have earned our position, and our salvation. We may even think that God is lucky to have someone as dedicated as us. We can become like the pharisee that stood on the street corner and thanked God that he was not like other men (Luke 18:11).

The disciples of Jesus often argued over who was the greatest among them, and at times, we still do today. In Matthew 18:1, the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Mark 9:34, the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest among themselves. In Mark 10:37, James and John asked Jesus to be seated on His right hand and on His left. The rest of the disciples became angry about their idea. In John 13:3, Jesus rose and washed the disciple's feet because all of them were far too important to perform a servant's task. "Who is the greatest" was never far from their mind.

Yet, like they were, we are all in the same boat here on Earth. A boat named grace. We are brothers, sisters, and peers. Jesus said that the least among us would be the greatest (Luke 9:48). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks that he knows anything, then he doesn't yet know as he ought to know.

We are floating in a sea of sin, and if it were not for God's mercy, we would not even be on His boat. We would all drown in our sins, just as the ones who missed the ark in Noah's day. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), and our accomplishments as dung (Philippians 3:8). We are saved simply through the grace of God. It's a free gift that can never be earned, and it comes by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Be thankful today that God has given us the free gift of His grace. It costs nothing to be forgiven for everything you have ever done wrong. Yet, just like a true gift: We did not earn it. It is something given to us freely because the Giver is good, and He wanted to.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation. Please forgive me for my foolish pride and keep me balanced in my life. You are awesome and so good to me, and I am truly grateful for all You do. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is Thankful Thursday at the Ministry Events group! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.