I used to listen to KMET rock radio station as a teen. The DJs had different names for each day: WhooYa Monday, Titillating Tuesday, Humpday Wednesday, Champagne Payday Thursday (one of my favs)… I think in those years, many people got paid on Thursdays for the prior week’s work. When you work hard, you are entitled to the rewards. They (your company) owes you. But, when it comes to God, you don’t want to be in a good works = righteousness relationship, where you try to earn a right standing with Him. The reason is that if you try to justify yourself before God based on His Holy law, you will fail miserably. The truth is that we don’t live up to even our own expectations of ourselves, let alone God’s standard. God will not be a debtor to any man. (He doesn’t owe you a thing). Instead, by faith we can accept the promise of a right standing with God as a GIFT that comes through the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Its like Champagne Payday everyday, not just Thursdays!
Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” Romans 4:4-8 NASB
Do I slip into the thinking that somehow I am justifying myself before God? Or can I simply, by faith, receive the gift of salvation and be exceedingly grateful?
God, as this day begins- its amazing how simple Your promise is, but so difficult to appropriate fully. Instead of humility and gratitude, I feel the pull toward pride and self-justification. Oh, how wretched I truly am. Let’s make our way through this day as a blessing to others. May I reach out and love someone in Your name. I have some things going on… would You lead and guide me with wisdom from above, protection from harm, and joy inexpressible. How good to know that every day for me is Champagne Payday!
