‘Who makes you different from anyone else?’ (1 Corinthians 4:7)

There is a wide difference between a Christian and a not-yet Christian; the one is dead in trespasses and sins, the other is alive unto God, by Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian has been quickened by the Son of God, born of the Spirit of God, and taught by God the Father. They are a new creation, being made new in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has designed for them to do.

Who made this difference? You are immediately ready to answer, if really taught by God, “By the grace of God I am what I am” [1 Corinthians 15:10], “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth” [James 1:18]. Yes, it was the rich, free and sovereign grace of God, and that alone, which made you different.

Grace was given to you in Christ, before the world began; and the Spirit was given you in time, that you might freely know and enjoy the things which are freely given to you by God. Dear friends, view yourself as an infinite debtor to grace; be humble before God who has made you different; and be compassionate, pray for, and strive to help those who are still without a knowledge of God’s grace. “Look to the rock  from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn” [Isaiah 51:1].

What was there in you that could merit esteem,
Or give the Creator delight?
‘Twas “Even so, Father!” you ever must sing,
“Because it seem’d good in Thy sight”.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘There is nothing that I can fix my mind upon, but calls aloud for prayerfulness – the joys of heaven, or the pains of hell – the kindness of friends, or the opposition of foes – joyful prospects, or painful disappointments – the church, or the world – Satan, or sin – holiness, or corruption – relations, or strangers – past, or present – at home, or abroad – all show me the importance of much prayer, and furnish materials for it. O for wisdom to use the materials, that are always at hand, that I may “pray without ceasing!”