As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

I have a funny looking tree in our front yard. (My wife likes to remind me we may need to take it down.) This tree grew up and seemed to thrive. All of the sudden some of its branches seemed to die towards the front. We hired an arborist and he told us that it had a destructive fungus that was killing the tree. He put some material in the ground to kill the fungus. Now it grows healthy again. Yet there are still some of the dead parts to the front of the tree that I left until it grows out more, to counterbalance the tree.

It reminds me a bit of my life. Life can seem to be great, thriving on our own. All the while sin is looking for a foothold. Like mold, it creeps in and is a destructive force in our lives. We need a professional’s help, like an arborist, to clear out the sin and set our hearts on the right path. Jesus is that heart professional. He knows our hearts and their capacity better than any psychologist, psychiatrist, pastor, or life coach ever could. He designed and made our hearts for greatness in partnership with him.

So we must cling fast to this partnership and seek him first, and then we will thrive spiritually.  However, we must do this with humility, not comparing ourselves to others. Why? Because of what we once were when he rescued us! It is only by God’s massive love and incredible mercy that he rescued us from a life destined for eternal death.

Now we are sealed with Jesus Christ into the Kingdom of God, if we believe and follow him. What a great promise!

What a God of generosity and grace. What a kind Father we have!

Lord, thank you for this reminder to remember the pits of evil you dragged us out of and rescued us from before we decided to trust in you. And for those still trapped here, I pray for their spiritual freedom — simply their choice to repent of their sins and follow you. It is so wonderful to live life free from comparison and “measure up” games. We are free in Jesus Christ!