Ponder this quote:
Elbert Hubbard said “ We are not punished for our Sins, but by them.”
Think about it. The “bad” son sins were a great punishment to him. But the “good son” was reprimanded by his father and was told — ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” He reminded him that constant communication with him didn’t make him better than his brother — because his love was equal for both of his sons. He made sure the son understood that since he Missed all the consequences of the choices his brother made, he should have a gracious spirit when his brother had finally come home.
As one of those folks who managed to avoid many pitfalls of life, it is always tempting to think that I somehow am better than everyone else around me.... that I somehow have more of God's favor. But the truth is -- I just missed out on the pain and punishment of some sins.
Remember these clear words from Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It's not because of what I've done....
***
It's #ThankfulThursday. What are you thankful for?
