(2 Corinthians 3:5)
The English Bible gives us the definition of the word "Parentheses" ["...either of a pair of marks ( ), or the information inside them, used in a piece of writing to show that what is inside these marks should be considered as separate from the main part:"] (English Dictionary)
When we apply this to our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul instructs us to never separate ourselves from the main source of wisdom, love, and support. There are too many of us as Christians, who have the attitude of self-sufficiency. We profess to bear the name of Christ. Profess to be under His care for salvation and sustenance, and yet act like we don't need the Lord's help, or anyone else s help as well.
I have stepped ahead of the Lord Jesus, too many times, and I know what trouble it can bring. Just one bad decision of self-sufficiency, and life can be a living nightmare.
"A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him—no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they’re sunk.”
He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor,
“My life is really in bad shape.” “How bad?” the pastor inquired. Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, “I’ll tell you how bad—all I’ve got left is God.” The pastor’s face lit up. “I’m happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!”
(Our Daily Bread: April 6, 2009)
Let's take ourselves out of the parentheses, and place ourselves in the loving care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ! GP
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