Daily Devotionals
August 10, 2021
Do Not Boast
August 10, 2021
DAILY READING
FIELD NOTES
In today’s passage in chapter 11, Paul is asking the Gentile Christians in Rome not to “boast” over the Jews. He says to remember that salvation comes not from a certain congregation or church, but from Christ. I love that Paul juxtaposes the idea of boasting with pride over others with the idea of “stand[ing] in awe of God.” It challenges me to think about where I am boastful versus where I am humble and totally in awe of God. In a world that is often divided politically and theologically, it is easy to boast over others about your knowledge or experience or understanding of Scripture and get caught up in proving other people wrong. However, Paul challenges us to focus on Christ first and foremost, which moves us into a worshipful awe of God. It is often hard for me to lay aside my own arguments and reasoning and instead just be in awe of who God is. I think if we focused more on worshiping our awesome God together and less on proving other people wrong, we might find ourselves more alike than not.
QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD
- When have you felt in awe of God?
- Do you feel like your relationship with God is often focused on what God can do for you or the people you know? What spiritual practices can move you to a place where you are in awe of God? For me, it is being out in nature. I am in awe of God’s creation.
FAMILY FIELD TALK
- When in your life have you known God is great and powerful?
PRAYER GUIDE
God, help us to set aside our pride, selfishness, and the need to be right all the time, and humbly praise You for all that You are. Help us to stand in awe of Your mighty and awesome power for You are a good and mighty God. For this we give thanks. Amen.