Enough: Lent DevotionalsSample

  ENOUGH: ABOVE AVERAGE

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Ask almost anyone who drives and they’ll tell you that they are an above average driver. It’s part of the human condition.

We also think we are better looking, smarter and more caring than others.

When it comes to other people’s insensitivity, or hypocrisy, we can spot it with pinpoint accuracy. We’re just terrible at it when it comes to our own shortcomings.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt says that we are our own “inner lawyer”, constantly letting ourselves off the hook. Mostly, we don’t even realize we’re doing it…

In today’s passage, Jesus talks about himself as the truth. So, when we know Jesus and God-in-Jesus, we know the humbling reality about ourselves: that we are in no position to judge others’ hypocrisy, insensitivity, or selfishness. And that God knows all this and still accepts us.

That’s why you can hold your head up. You’re accepted and forgiven in spite of everything. Not because you’re “above average”.

Dear God, You know everything about me. You see right down to the depths of my heart and all the ways I deceive other people and myself. Thank You that You know the very worst there is to know about me and yet You still love me. Let Your acceptance of me sink deep into my heart. And help me to accept others without judgement. Amen

Ben Cohen, Tearfund