July 17, 2024

Bob Maas
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Romans 12:3

When God created the heavens and the earth, He also created two kingdoms. One kingdom was made up of material things, and the other was spiritual. The physical realm included everything from plants and vegetation to animals and people. If God had made the people robotic and programmed them to do what He wanted, everything would have been different.

But He didn’t do that. He gave people the freedom to choose! Wow!!! Think about that, and then look at how chaotic everything is. Isaiah said that we are all like sheep going in an infinite number of directions, all away from God. Did He make a mistake? No! He is on His throne in heaven, letting everyone do whatever they want.

However, another part of the drama is hidden from most people. The spiritual kingdom comprises other forms of creatures called angels and demons. In different places in the Bible, they are referred to as ministering spirits, servants, the heavenly host, and numerous other labels. And then there is another group of shady characters called rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

So here we are. Finite creatures who are like a vapor in eternity, and we are told not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought but rather think of ourselves with sober judgment. God, who is rich in mercy, raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. We can live above the chaos by simply humbling ourselves before God and one another and receive the life and love that He freely gives.

Let’s honor one another!