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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

OUR CONFIDENCE

August 11, 2010

We are taught a great deal about self-confidence, and its importance in our culture, and I see its importance. But I take some exception to it, practically and theologically.

...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6 TNIV

Biblical theology has a pendulum that swings historically back and forth: from personal responsibility to God is in charge. These days it's way over on the personal responsibility side. As a result our confidence is in us, and the good choices we make, and failing to do so, we are out of "luck." I say, "Slow down a minute." Actually, Paul says it. Paul tells us that ultimately, our confidence is not in ourselves, but that God can, and God will, bring us to completion.

 Is what we do important? Of course, of course, of course. But our confidence is not in us, but in Christ. I know you are better than I am, but if it's all about me, then, well, I'm in trouble. But it's not. Not ultimately about me, or you. "Confident of this: that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." That's good news.
Joyfully,
Dale Patterson