Clear Confidence

Few people I know like swimming with jellyfish. Not all jellyfish are dangerous, of course, but the idea of hanging-out with them in the ocean isn't so appealing. In Galatians, Paul introduces himself: "Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead - and all the brothers and sisters with me, to the church in Galatia." (Galatians 2:1-2 NIV). What a clear and confident introduction Paul gives of himself - as the 1960s cowboy character Will Sonnett used to say: "no brag, just fact." I fear there are many people, even among Believers, who aren't exactly clear nor confident of who they are and what they are to be doing. Paul goes on to write, "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith." (Galatians 3:26 ESV). The culture in which we live offers many things that promise to add value and worth to who we are - things to relieve pain, bring happiness, extend life, generate success, etc. Note that Paul understands who has called him - not man but Jesus, and that understanding guides him! While jellyfish do have the capacity to propel themselves, they depend largely on the water to move them. Those "in Christ" move with all confidence and direction toward to obey and glorify The Father. There's really no greater joy-peace-contentment than knowing Christ and finding Him to be our ... clear confidence.