January 20th, 2023
Friday, January 20
As Legitimate As Porcelain Pie
By: Pastor Todd Crofford
When I was a young pastor, I made a visit to an older couple in my church. I had only given them about 2 hours’ notice that I was coming, so I was so pleased when I walked in and smelled apple pie. As we sat in the living room and talked, I could look through the doorway into their kitchen and could see the pie sitting there on the counter. I really got my hopes up that I was about to enjoy an awesome treat.
The longer I stayed, the more I was thinking about it, but they never offered me any. Eventually our conversation wrapped up and I walked into the kitchen to say some final good-byes. That was when I noticed that the supposed apple pie was actually made of ceramic and the smell was coming from an apple pie scented candle sitting nearby. My legitimate hope was dashed when I saw the illegitimate pie.
In a letter, Paul told the church in Galatia that when it came to faith the test of legitimacy was in the actions it birthed. He wrote, “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace… The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. -Galatians 5:4,6 NIV
In other words, we can strive to hold all the right beliefs and not break any of the rules, but if our lives are never filled with God’s love, then our faith is as illegitimate as a porcelain pie. You may look like a Christian to the casual observer, but when someone gets up close they will not see the love of Jesus in us.
Today ask yourself this question, What have I DONE for someone this week that indicates my faith is legitimate?
As Legitimate As Porcelain Pie
By: Pastor Todd Crofford
When I was a young pastor, I made a visit to an older couple in my church. I had only given them about 2 hours’ notice that I was coming, so I was so pleased when I walked in and smelled apple pie. As we sat in the living room and talked, I could look through the doorway into their kitchen and could see the pie sitting there on the counter. I really got my hopes up that I was about to enjoy an awesome treat.
The longer I stayed, the more I was thinking about it, but they never offered me any. Eventually our conversation wrapped up and I walked into the kitchen to say some final good-byes. That was when I noticed that the supposed apple pie was actually made of ceramic and the smell was coming from an apple pie scented candle sitting nearby. My legitimate hope was dashed when I saw the illegitimate pie.
In a letter, Paul told the church in Galatia that when it came to faith the test of legitimacy was in the actions it birthed. He wrote, “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace… The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. -Galatians 5:4,6 NIV
In other words, we can strive to hold all the right beliefs and not break any of the rules, but if our lives are never filled with God’s love, then our faith is as illegitimate as a porcelain pie. You may look like a Christian to the casual observer, but when someone gets up close they will not see the love of Jesus in us.
Today ask yourself this question, What have I DONE for someone this week that indicates my faith is legitimate?
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
CallingDon't HideWhere You AreJust the Two of UsInvesting in the Kingdom of GodThe Golden RuleAgainst the GrainUnexplainable JoyThe Power of God's WordFollow MeThe God of the ImpossibleOut on a LimbWe All Face ItTrue JusticeGatherGood SoilDon't Put God in a BoxBe BraveCulture CheckFeed His Sheep. Love His People.Jesus Revealed
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments