God expects an offering on holy days, not because He needs our money—for everything already belongs to Him—but because it reveals our attitude and the condition of our hearts.
The crucial question, therefore, is not, “How much must I give?” but rather, “With what attitude do I give?” For God does not want us to give out of a sense of duty; rather, He desires us to be joyful givers.
Christoph Sperzel (Germany)
Is genuine peace in this world possible – or is it an illusion?
Wars, crises, fear everywhere – can there even be true peace in such a world? And what distinguishes the peace this world promises from the peace that only God can grant?
When we look at the world around us, it’s sometimes hard to even talk about peace. Almost every day we hear about wars, conflicts, terrorism, economic hardship, political tensions, and societal crises. At the same time, many people are struggling with their own personal burdens, such as worries about their families, health problems, financial difficulties, or fear of an uncertain future. It appears the world is becoming increasingly turbulent.
Against this backdrop, many ask an important question: Can there even be true peace in such a world?
The Bible answers this question with a clear “yes”. However, we first need to understand what true peace actually is.
Many people picture peace as the absence of problems. To them, peace means that everything is going well, that no difficulties arise, and that the future seems secure.
As long as circumstances are favorable, they are at ease. But as soon as a crisis occurs, this peace is shaken. It depends on circumstances that can change at any moment.
The peace of God is unlike this. It does not come about through the disappearance of all problems. It comes through trust in God. This trust is not simply an achievement we accomplish on our own. The Bible describes peace as part of the fruit of the Spirit of God at work within us (compare Galatians 5:22). In other words, when we entrust our lives to God, He allows His peace to grow within us.
To understand this, we must first recognize why the world is how it is in the first place.
Many people assume that God rules the world today in a direct and immediate way and that everything that happens on earth is an expression of His Will. The Bible, however, presents a more comprehensive picture.
God is the Creator of the universe. He possesses all power, and ultimately everything belongs to Him. Yet the present world is not governed according to His standards. The Bible describes Satan as the one who deceives the whole world and as the “god of this world” (Authorized Version). That is why we see the consequences of human self-determination and mismanagement everywhere – wars, hatred, injustice, corruption, violence, and confusion.
If the true God already ruled the world today, there would be no wars, no oppression of the weak, and no political lust for power. Instead, the conditions we experience today reflect a humanity that goes its own way and absolutely rejects God’s Way.
History confirms this time and again. Humans have made impressive technological advances; there is no question of that. They went to the moon, fought diseases, and brought about tremendous developments – but these also include negative developments. They have not solved the fundamental problem: They have not created lasting peace, nor are they capable of doing so.
Why not?
Because the real problem cannot be found solely in political systems, economic models, or a lack of education. The problem runs deeper. It lies in the human heart. As long as pride, envy, selfishness, greed, and the pursuit of power control people, the problems of this world will persist. That is why we do not believe that the ultimate solution will come through human efforts.
But before we can speak of this necessary inward, tangible peace, we must take a step back. The Bible shows us that humanity is separated from God. This means that before we can experience the peace of God in our daily lives, we must first be at peace with God Himself. Everything else builds upon this.
Humanity needs more than just better ideas. It needs God’s guidance. This is precisely where the difference between the peace of the world and the peace of God begins. The peace of the world says, “I have peace when everything is going well.” The peace of God says, “I have peace because I trust in God, even when not everything is going well.”
Jesus Christ made this distinction clear when He said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…” (John 14:27).
The prophet Isaiah summed up the same idea centuries earlier. The New King James Bible translates it particularly clearly: “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” God grants perfect peace to the one who sets his thoughts (his mind and his heart) on God and trusts in Him.
Jesus spoke of God’s peace shortly before His suffering and death. His situation was anything but peaceful. Yet, He spoke of peace. It is indeed difficult to imagine this when facing death.
But the peace He spoke of did not depend on external circumstances. He trusted completely in His Father – our Father. We see the same principle in many biblical role models.
Abraham left his homeland without knowing exactly where God would lead him. Joseph was betrayed and sold into slavery. Daniel lived under a foreign government. The apostles were persecuted and harassed.
None of them led a trouble-free life. Just as we, too, do not lead trouble-free lives. Nevertheless, they did not lose hope, because their trust did not depend on their circumstances, but was rooted in God the Father.
Perhaps the example of Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee illustrates this idea best. As a violent storm raged, the disciples were in a panic. They saw only the waves, the wind, and the danger that came with them. Jesus, on the other hand, remained calm. The storm was the same for everyone. The boat was the same. The danger was the same. The difference, however, was their trust.
It is the same today. We all experience storms. Some affect our health; others, our family, our work, or our plans for the future. The crucial question is not whether we will experience storms. The crucial question is what or whom we trust, when they come.
But how do we trust God in the midst of a storm? The Bible gives us very practical guidance on this. Paul writes: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Trust is not a feeling we have to somehow find within ourselves. It is a conscious decision to bring our worries before God instead of carrying them around on our own.
As Christians, we do not ignore the problems of this world. We do not turn a blind eye to the news. We know that the world is facing difficult times. But we view these developments from a different perspective. We know that the chaos of this world is not the end of the story.
Our hope does not depend on politics, the economy, or human institutions. Our hope lies in the Kingdom of God.
The Bible promises the Return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a reign of justice on earth and over the earth. For the first time in history, the world will then be governed, guided, and ruled according to God’s standards. War will no longer be taught. Justice will not depend on power or money. The causes of suffering, hatred, and oppression will be eliminated.
That is why we can have peace even today. Not because the world has become peaceful – by no means. Not because all problems have been solved. But because we know that God is carrying out His plan and that His Kingdom will come.
True peace does not come from the security of this world. It comes from the certainty that God is in control of the future. That is why the real answer to the question in this Q&A is:
Yes, peace can be found in a chaotic world. But this peace does not come from the world getting better before Christ’s Return, because it won’t. It comes from trusting God more than the circumstances around us.
The peace of the world waits for the storm to pass. The peace of God gives us the strength to stand firm in the midst of the storm.
Lead Writer: Christoph Sperzel (Germany)
(Initial Translation: Daniel Blasinger)
The Pact With the Devil
Would you sign a contract knowing that, in the end, you would lose everything? Probably not. No reasonable person would sacrifice their freedom, happiness, and future for a short-term advantage. Right?
What if such a contract wasn’t even recognizable as a contract, but instead came about through compromises, wrong decisions, and small concessions in everyday life?
Most people don’t believe in a literal “pact with the devil”. For many, that belongs in the world of legends, movies, and novels. The Bible, however, reveals that behind the scenes of this world, a spirit being is at work who wants to lead humanity away from God.
If you’d like to learn more about this, please order a free copy of our booklet, entitled “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World”.
The devil does not need to get people to worship him directly. It is enough for him if they forget God. He knows human nature—our fears, desires, and weaknesses. The Bible calls him the one “who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). His influence is widespread; the world doesn’t even realize it is being influenced.
A successful deceiver does not reveal his identity. In the same way, Satan works in secret. His goal is to promote thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that distance people from God.
“Has God indeed said…?” The temptation began with this question. Eve was to believe that God’s commandment restricted her and that disobedience would bring an advantage. The promised gain was emphasized, while the consequences were kept secret. To this day, Satan uses the same strategy. He presents sin as something pleasant and God’s commandments as unnecessary restrictions; the crucial Truth remains hidden.
But every wrong decision has consequences.
Every contract contains terms and conditions; every pact has its price. Satan, too, makes offers. He promises freedom but delivers bondage. He promises joy but leaves behind emptiness and suffering. He promises profit but conceals the cost.
Jesus Christ said that Satan is “a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). A lie is a statement in which the Truth—or at least part of the Truth—is distorted.
A fish sees the bait but does not recognize the hook. That is how temptation works. The immediate benefit appears visible and attractive, while the long-term consequences remain hidden.
Despite tremendous advances in science, technology, and education, humanity’s fundamental problems persist. Wars, violence, hatred, deceit, and injustice continue to shape the world. Why? John wrote: “…the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). Paul even refers to Satan as the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The world follows him without even knowing it.
Pride instead of humility; selfishness instead of love; self-will instead of obedience—we encounter these attitudes daily, and they often seem normal and natural. That is precisely where their danger lies.
The most dangerous pact with the devil is not made consciously. Almost no one signs a document titled “Contract with Satan”. Rather, this pact is sealed when people constantly adopt the same fundamental attitude: “I decide for myself what is right and wrong.”
When God is excluded from life, people take on the role of their own lawgiver and thus, without realizing it, follow the same path that already separated Adam and Eve from God.
The good news is: No one has to continue down this path. Jesus Christ came to overcome sin in the flesh and to reconcile humanity with God. During His life on earth, He resisted every temptation from Satan and demonstrated that obedience to God is possible.
James writes: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The Bible does not call on us to negotiate with temptation, but to trust in God and resist evil. Those who are close to God receive the strength to withstand deception and seduction.
Satan’s greatest success is to make us believe that no danger exists. Yet the Bible reveals an adversary who knows humanity intimately and does everything in his power to separate us from God. That is why everyone faces a decision: Will they follow the alluring offers of this world, or will they trust God and His ways?
The pact with the devil is not a medieval fairy tale. It begins wherever people exchange God’s Truth for their own ideas. But God offers a different covenant—one that does not lead to death, but to life, and indeed to eternal life.
The question, then, is: Which contract will you sign?
(Initial Translation: Daniel Blasinger)
The Support of the Ministry—a Spiritual Responsibility
The Holy Scriptures clearly and consistently show that God does not act independently of people; rather, He makes use of those whom He Himself calls. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles of the New Testament, God had His Truth proclaimed through His servants.
This gives the Church an important and serious responsibility not only to respect the ministry but to actively support it—spiritually (through prayer), practically, materially, and with a sincere, grateful attitude, including direct words of encouragement and appreciation.
God is a God of order. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, we read that God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. He has established offices to teach, lead, and strengthen His Church.
In Ephesians 4:11-12, the Bible states:
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”
These callings do not come from people, but directly from God. Therefore, those who support the ministry are ultimately not supporting people, but the Work of God Himself and the proclamation of the Gospel. The ministry exists for the Church to lead it spiritually, to teach it, and to strengthen it. Where there is no spiritual leadership, by whom should the Church be led? As it is also written in Proverbs 11:14 (New Jerusalem Bible):
“For want of leadership a people perishes, safety lies in many advisers.”
This biblical passage clearly shows how important spiritual leadership and guidance are for God’s people.
God’s Work is not carried by human ideas, but by the obedience of those whom God calls and by the support of those who recognize this Work. The Church plays an active role in this.
In Hebrews 13:17, we are urged to acknowledge spiritual leadership and to cooperate with it, for the ministry watches over the souls of the believers: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
What a tremendous responsibility this entails!
Some ministers invest their time, their energy, and often their entire lives in the service of the Church. That is why it is of central importance to support the ministry in prayer. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:25: “Brethren, pray for us.” But this prayer should not be general or superficial. A particularly important expression of support is specific prayer for the ministry, especially in times of weakness and illness.
When ministers fall ill or are physically afflicted, it should be a matter of course for the Church to consciously pray for them before God. The ministry is often under special pressure—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It is precisely then when they need the intercession of the Church.
The Bible calls on us: “Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2).
This also applies especially to those who perform a special service. When a minister is ill, it affects not only that person; it affects the entire Church.
When Mr. Armstrong was still alive, it was a matter of course to pray for him personally in opening or closing prayers, asking God to protect Mr. Armstrong, to inspire him, to give him strength, and to heal him, etc. Today, when a minister is seriously ill, he should be mentioned by name in the opening or closing prayer, thereby making it clear that the Church understands his work and role, which perhaps can only be carried out by him at this time. A general prayer “for the ministry” may not adequately convey the gravity of the situation for seriously ill or suffering ministers in such circumstances.
Through our prayer, we show that we understand: God’s Work depends not only on those who preach, but also on those who faithfully intercede for them. Such prayers bring strength, comfort, and often healing as well. They unite the Church and demonstrate genuine spiritual fellowship.
But support goes even further. The Bible makes it clear that material help is also part of it. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, we read:
“Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”
This is not a human concept, but a spiritual principle. Those who support God’s Work are themselves blessed, whether through financial or practical help, or personal commitment.
One point that is often underestimated but of great spiritual significance is gratitude.
It should be a matter of course for every believer to consciously express thanks for the sermons and the work of the ministry. A sermon is not simply a lecture. It is spiritual nourishment that is prepared with prayer, study, and an awareness of responsibility before God.
When the ministry teaches, admonishes, and encourages week after week, it is right and necessary to acknowledge this.
A sincere thank you can make a big difference. It strengthens, it encourages, and it shows that the work is not taken for granted.
The Bible expressly calls for this attitude:
“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord… and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Gratitude is an expression of respect and humility. It shows that we recognize that God works through His servants.
In this regard, one’s inner attitude is crucial. Support should not come from a sense of duty, but it must emanate from a sincere heart.
2 Corinthians 9:7 states: “…God loves a cheerful giver.”
Those who understand that they are part of God’s Work will support it with joy—in prayer, in service, and also in grateful acknowledgment.
At the same time, Scripture warns us against adopting a critical attitude that sows discord. Respect, humility, and a constructive attitude are crucial for the unity of the Church.
This does not mean that the ministry is infallible. But it does mean that we should approach it with a supportive and respectful attitude.
In summary, it is clear that supporting the ministry is an essential part of the Christian life. It includes prayer, especially during times of illness, practical help, material support, and sincere gratitude. For ultimately, it is not about people—it is about God’s Work.
God carries out His Work through people, but He works powerfully through those who are willing to support, give, pray, and to be grateful. The crucial question, therefore, is not whether God’s Work receives support, but whether we do our part faithfully, willingly, and with a grateful heart.
(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
If God gives knowledge and truth to every Christian He calls, He also entrusts them with responsibility. Whoever has received more light and understanding will be judged more strictly by God, for our life is a test and a time of character formation. Therefore, this spiritual principle applies: With great power comes great responsibility.
“We Create Our Own Demons”
The phrase “We create our own demons” is heard in the movie “Iron Man.” It does not originate from the Bible. But it is surprising that it contains a thought that comes close to biblical Truth.
Most people believe that their problems primarily come from outside sources, such as circumstances, other people, or the world. However, the Bible reveals a deeper problem. Jesus Christ explained, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:19).
The real battle takes place within the human heart.
The Bible does not deny the existence of spiritual powers; on the contrary, it clearly shows that there is an invisible influence that tries to deceive true Christians and lead them away from God’s Way of Life. Scripture clearly names this influence: Satan and his demons.
But it also shows just as clearly that destruction usually does not begin with an outward act; it begins with a thought.
Thoughts can take root, gain ground, and ultimately determine our lives. In this sense, thoughts are “planted” – but the decisive factor is whether we give them space.
Thoughts shape attitudes. Attitudes shape actions. And actions ultimately shape character.
What we accept, what we allow, repeat, and justify, that is what we nurture, and that is what gains power over us.
What a person thinks repeatedly eventually becomes part of his or her being. The Bible describes this process with clarity:
“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).
Let us note the sequence. Sin does not begin with the act. It begins in the mind.
This is a Truth that most people do not want to see. It is easier to recognize the faults of others than our own. We expect patience, justice, and understanding from others, but are often unwilling to give the same in return.
This is how human nature works. It tends to justify itself and shift the blame onto others.
But this is precisely where many of the “inner demons” arise that can destroy a Christian’s life: bitterness, pride, envy, and the refusal to forgive.
In the beginning, they are just thoughts or feelings. But if they are not recognized and countered, they grow. They begin to influence our thinking, poison our relationships, and harden our hearts.
The good news, however, is that we do not have to remain in this captivity.
Jesus Christ said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
But this freedom requires an uncomfortable Truth: we must be willing to face ourselves honestly and see the Truth about our own lives. For God’s Word is like a mirror; it shows us who we really are.
But God does not leave us alone in this inner struggle. He gives us the help and strength to overcome evil if we allow Him to.
As Scripture testifies: “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
The Son of God came to destroy the power of the devil and free us from spiritual bondage so that we can find the way to God and His kingdom.
We do not create evil out of ourselves. But when we feed wrong thoughts and attitudes, we open the door to it.
And again: thoughts shape attitudes, attitudes shape actions, and actions ultimately shape character.
However, when we begin to accept God’s Truth, recognize our own faults, and are willing to repent, real change sets in. Then bitterness, pride, and hatred lose their power over our hearts, and God’s Spirit begins to renew our minds.
For God has not called us to remain prisoners of our human nature. He has called us to be transformed. Through His Spirit, our minds can be renewed, our hearts can be softened, and our character can be shaped step by step according to God’s measure.
And that is precisely why Jesus Christ came, so that we might find entrance into His Kingdom.
(Initial Translation from the German: Daniel Blasinger)
I Have Called You
God is calling a special people now for an eternal purpose. He draws them through His Spirit to understand and live by His Word. They must reject the human way and follow Christ’s way of love and obedience. Our mission is to live the gospel and prepare for Christ’s return.
Choose the Better Side
God’s promise of eternal life requires us to check ourselves, repent, and walk the path of change to live according to God’s commands. While worldly insurance offers material security, God’s “life insurance” gives us an absolute guarantee of eternal life—but only if we fulfill His requirements. The Passover reminds us to check our spiritual condition, align our lives with God’s Will, and continually grow and follow Christ so that we may ultimately be ready for the Kingdom of God.
“For the Sake of Peace”
“For the sake of peace”—for some, this phrase implies that one must always give in, but it also contains an old, yet deeply biblical expression that reminds us that true peace does not come when everyone insists on their rights, but rather, when love and humility are stronger than pride.
Acting “for the sake of peace” means, yielding not out of weakness, but out of inner strength, because one values peace more highly than dispute.
The Bible repeatedly calls us to seek and preserve peace. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
This shows that peace often begins with our own attitude. We need to let go, forgive, and remain silent, even when it is difficult. We need to give in, even when it seems unfair or we have already done so many times.
When Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (compare Matthew 18:21-22).
This means nothing less than always, without limitation!
Jesus teaches us that true forgiveness knows no bounds and that true peace can only grow where we are ready to forgive again and again.
But peace does not mean concealing injustice or suppressing the Truth.
In Ezekiel 33:1-9, God speaks of the responsibility of the watchman to warn the people in the face of danger. The watchman who remains silent is complicit in the disaster that occurs. These words remind us that peace does not come from silence about evil, but from the Truth spoken out of love.
Sometimes, God calls us to speak up, to warn, or to have the courage to address injustices—not to condemn, but to preserve and save lives.
This also means acting “for the sake of peace”: speaking the Truth in love so that genuine peace based on justice can arise.
Jesus himself said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9; Authorized Version). Peacemaking is therefore a sign of being a child of God.
Those who seek peace follow the example of Christ, who showed us the way of peace—not by fighting, but by loving, forgiving, and serving.
The peace that God gives is more than the absence of dispute; it is a state of the heart in which God’s love reigns: “…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”, as Paul writes in Philippians 4:7.
To live “for the sake of peace” means to consciously seek reconciliation in relationships, in the family, in the church, or at work. It is not always easy, but it is worth trying not to always have the last word, but rather to remain calm. It means to think “more highly of one another than you do of yourselves,” as it says in Philippians 2:3 (Amplified Bible), and in doing so, allowing God’s love to be manifested.
Sometimes, this also means giving in more often than one would like, and yet finding peace in it because one knows that God guides our hearts and that love always remains the stronger force.
Jesus Himself paid the highest price “for the sake of peace.” He gave up His divine right, became human, served, and died so that “our peace was upon Him” (Isaiah 53:5).
This divine peace is the foundation on which we can build our lives.
Thus, God calls us to be peacemakers in word and deed, in love and patience. “For the sake of peace”—for us, this is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of divine strength rooted in love and bearing fruit in peace.
(Initial Translation: Daniel Blasinger)
“May the Best Player Win”
The saying “May the best player win” is often heard in sports or games. It expresses the desire that victory should go not to the ruthless or crafty, but to the truly more capable or skilled. Behind this stands an attitude of fairness and respect: one recognizes that the other person also deserves a chance—and that their success should elicit recognition rather than envy.
But in the reality of today’s society, things often look different. Performance, self-promotion, and competition shape the thinking of many people. Social media does not celebrate fairness, but mostly individual success. Even in everyday or professional life, the motto “The most important thing is that I win” often seems to apply.
In English, the saying goes, “The winner takes it all.” But what does that mean from a biblical perspective? What does God’s Word say about winning, losing, and what it means to truly take it all?
The world equates “winners” with power, influence, success, or wealth. But Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death did not come through domination, but through sacrifice. Christ did not win by defeating others, but by sacrificing Himself. Many people saw His death on the cross as a defeat – but it was precisely there that He achieved the ultimate victory.
Jesus challenged the worldly idea of success. He said:
“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Even true Christians are not immune to comparing themselves with others: Who is more successful, more popular, more talented, or more “spiritual”? But the gospel calls us to a different Way of Life – to humility, to appreciation for our neighbors, and to gratitude.
The apostle Paul, who endured much suffering – shipwreck, beatings, imprisonment, abandonment – did not strive for worldly fame. His goal was different:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
The true winner does not take anything away from others but receives what only God can give.
The Bible often uses metaphors from sports and competition to convey spiritual Truths: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
For Christians, this means that we do not race against each other, but together toward Christ.
One of the greatest ideas in the Bible is that God’s victory is shared: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
The path to the throne leads through humility: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vain glory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3; New American Bible; the New Jerusalem Bible says, “…give preference to others”).
The world says: The winner takes it all.
Jesus asks: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
To enter God’s Kingdom, we must give up everything in this life that stands in the way. This is how we receive eternal life. When we follow Christ, we do not chase after trophies. We carry our cross. We may lose a lot in this life – prestige, possessions, even our lives. But in the end, we gain the most important thing: eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
When we as Christians say, “May the best player win. The winner takes it all,” we recognize a deeper Truth in this: in the end, what matters is not whether we were better than others, but whether we remained faithful.
Paul gets to the heart of the matter: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Where do I find it difficult to acknowledge the success of others? Do I live my daily life according to the principle of “me first” – or in humility, considering “others as more important” than myself?
Which “victories” in faith are genuinely important to me – the recognition of people or faithfulness to God?
Let the world chase after its perishable crowns. We want to run the race that is set before us – toward the prize that never fades away (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2).
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)