It’s not first about my religious acts, my spiritual duty, or the degree of my obedience. It’s not first about what I believe, the precision of my theology, or the truthfulness of the creed I embrace. It’s not first about what I give, the regularity of my charity, or the amount of my benevolence. It’s not first about my teaching, my preaching, or the truths that I have shared with others. It’s not first about my humility, my faithfulness, or the extent of my obedience. It’s first about you— your righteousness, your wisdom, your power, your authority, your grace— and how you have unleashed all of them for my forgiveness, my rescue, my redemption. My life is no longer about me, it is first and foremost about you.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph. 2:8–9)

What elements of your spiritual and religious life are you most likely to pride yourself in?

How can you go about today making sure Jesus is first in your life?

For further study and encouragement, read John 13:1–20