“For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:10 NLT
Bev and I have been married for nearly 37 years. We love each other, we enjoy being together. At the center of our relationship is the continuing belief that we love each other. This is reinforced when we kiss each other in front of our kids, or speak well of each other with our friends and family.
The continuing belief and the declaration of our love for each other saves and protects our marriage.
As I am serving, leading, counseling, consulting with other people; I have adopted the discipline of introducing Bev in conversation as soon as possible and, in that introduction, declaring my love and appreciation for her. I do this – because it reinforces and safeguards the love that we know, cherish and share in covenant commitment with each other. I do this because it bring me joy and delight.
Paul is saying something similar in Romans 10:10. The continuing belief in and declaration of our relationship with God provides the continuing basis for the life-saving work of Jesus Christ to be safeguarded in our lives every day.
Today, through Jesus Christ, I am in right standing with God. Even in writing those words “through Jesus Christ, I am in right standing with God”; I am encouraged in the very declaration of it. I am aware that I am saved. This brings more joy and delight into my life.
In my own strength, I know that I can’t do enough to be in “right standing with God.” The belief of the life-saving work of Jesus Christ and the life changing work of the Holy Spirit give me hope. The declaration of this, brings it to life in my words and actions today.
Today, I live as a saved person from myself and my own short comings. I live as a saved person in the midst of a world that is broken and hurting in so many ways. In humility and confidence, I can connect with the world as one who is in “right standing with God” because of all that God has done for me. What a privilege to share this with the world.
Thank You God, for Your life-giving word.