Participants in the Alcoholics Anonymous program will describe themselves as alcoholics even if they have been sober for 30 years. Does it seem that this is no longer a valid description if it no longer applies? Yet they insist on it as part of a successful recovery program. Some Christians refer to themselves as sinners saved by grace. Are they still sinners if they are saved? Do you see a parallel here? Recovering drunks are more successful if they hold no illusions about their past identity and weaknesses, and you are more successful in not being a sinner if you know that you rely on me for grace, strength, and righteousness. 

Abraham believed me and it was accounted to him for righteousness. I called him my friend. Do you think I was very selective in choosing him? He tried to pass his wife off as his sister because he was afraid for his own life. Do you find this to be admirable behavior by any standard? Yet I imputed righteousness to him for his faith and this concept is central throughout the Bible and in the Christian faith. Your unbelieving friends will not accept your righteousness as imputed. They look for actual performance. Do you find the same thing in your believing friends? Come to me for I am rich in mercy and the only one who will account your faith for righteousness.

Humanity in general and your culture in particular places a high value on outward appearance. This works to the advantage of those who have it. Everyone wants to look their best. Some put more effort in than others, and some have more raw materials to work with. If you don’t you can take comfort that you are in good company, for I had no form or comeliness that I should be desired. I was not tall or handsome. You know that I was despised and rejected by those who should have recognized me. Part of that was about doctrine and expectations, but some just couldn’t get past the fact that I wasn’t tall and handsome. Learn to see my presence in the least of these. 

What reminds you of me? Do you think of me when you see a church? What about a sunrise or sunset? When you take food for nourishment do you do so with a sense that I provided it? Do not despise these little everyday occurrences for life consists of them. Many were looking for my first advent and missed it because they expected magnificent grandeur, and I came with simplicity and humility, speaking with illustrations of everyday things. My words infused them with glory. Take this lesson to heart. Look for the transcendent and divine in everything you see and you will find it. Let everything you encounter remind you of me.