Countdown to Christmas – Day 13

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

We live in a culture saturated with good deeds and uplifting words encouraging us through all matters of media to follow our dreams. Television ads have many a mother in tears as children are put upon pedestals, medals of varying shades shimmering off silky ribbon around their necks. Superheros aren’t just for fantasy because heroism is as real as the character on their underwear. And obstacles are not obstacles at all but hurdles to be leapt over as a gathered crowd roars with excitement.

And all of these sentiments are stemmed from truth for each is an achievable dream. It is a truth we are born with, set deep within our mind and emotions. The truth that confidence is our strength.

The world encourages us to be self confident. That we should look only within ourselves to find all that we need to fulfill our dreams and purpose. But self confidence can only get us so far. Eventually the spring from which our confidence flows will run dry for the world is a drying, somewhat bitter place. But one who is filled with the Spirit of Christ does not seek self confidence. It is God confidence they’re chasing after.

The apostle Paul’s groans stemmed from his desire to be in heaven with the Lord. He knew that as long as he still had warm flesh covering his aging bones, his work on this side of heaven wasn’t yet done. His encouragement is for us to look beyond ourselves having courage to continue the good fight for the time we have in this earthly life is short lived.

Self confidence shines a light so we may bear witness to our accomplishments in life. But we are not called to see, nor have confidence in ourselves. We are called to have faith… and confidence in our obedience to a Messiah much greater than us. No matter our situation or circumstance of life, our goal is to be obedient to Christ therefore pleasing to God.

Father, when my greatest desire is to see myself, may I remember that self confidence will only get me so far. Your word promises that good works and blessing will given according to my faith in you… not in myself. In Jesus name, amen.