I remember when I was a little kid, my sister would get into trouble. I would think to myself, “I would never do that, I’m much more well-behaved, etc.” Other times, I would think that without my siblings, or whoever was causing a problem, it would be more peaceful. Although at the time I would think these things and truly believe they were true, I can look back now and see that I wasn’t right.
Sometimes we think of ourselves more highly than others. When we hear about somebody going to jail, getting caught for lying, or anything else that is “evil” in God’s eyes, we might think, “I would never do anything like that and I would never go to jail. I must just be better than them.”
This is a risky road and an easy trap to fall into. Romans 12:1-5 says that we are all equal and not judged by our good works. God loves us all the same and He needs each and every one of us for His plan. When I was younger I was only looking at the small picture, locked in my own thoughts and anger. But God can see the big picture and how everything works out. He sees how we are all needed and how He is going to use all of us.
The body of Christ includes everyone—not depending on your works or what you’ve done. If we repent and read, we can see this is true—we are so connected to God. He loves us and cares for us and urges us to talk to Him. He wants us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. This means to give up seeking what we want from life and instead ask God and see what He wants for our lives. He loves us and only wants what’s best.
For reflection:
- Why do you think how we think about the world and others is such an important part of abiding in Christ?
- What helps you transform your mind to be more in tune with God’s view of things and people?
by Saige Smith (Grade 9)
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