Wednesday, October 29, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Revelation 14

Imagine having breakfast while reading the newspaper; the way people used to spend their mornings. Somewhere between a bite of scrambled eggs and a sip of juice, you see yourself described as a “merchant of death.” That’s how I imagine it happening when Alfred Nobel read his premature obituary. The inventor of dynamite wasn’t pleased to see his legacy painted with blood.

Alfred passed away eight years later on December 10, 1896, but not before changing his will to reflect a version of himself that differed from public perception. His will stated that each year would conclude with a series of prizes for those who excelled in service to the good of the world. The Nobel Prizes were born.

The Nobel Prizes are prestigious, yet most don’t realize that the same person who created them also invented dynamite. It’s a scary thought to read your obituary and feel that you didn’t measure up. That moment changed the course of Alfred’s life. But for all the good his legacy continues to create, it ultimately falls short of God’s glorious standard.

Romans 3:23-24
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Think of the good you’ve done. Perhaps you’ve helped an older person cross the street, volunteered at a nursing home, or avoided cursing, drinking too much, or listening to anything but Christian music. You’re a good person, but your good intentions don’t erase your sins.

Is your purpose to prove that you’re better than your enemy? Are you checking a box because the ultimate goal is to get better things from God? Don’t be motivated by wants because it leads to self-promotion. Instead, seek to further God's kingdom, something that will last for eternity instead of your temporary lifetime.

Artist, Propaganda once said, “Somehow we started thinking so selfishly. Like the call to be the best is really what’s best for our community.” When we strive to be the best, we turn our achievements into the standard for ourselves and everyone else. It might feel like a temporary victory, but it is impossible to maintain for long.

God’s glorious commission calls you to be a “standard bearer.” Your goodness should reflect God’s love, bringing others into a relationship with him, so they, too, can know his grace. Rather than seeking personal success, you can add to the numbers in God’s family, being a blessing to everyone around you.

Questions:
Do you think your good deeds make you better than others in God’s eyes? How do your actions reflect God’s truth?

Next Steps:
Be intentional with your goodness by humbly serving. Don’t rush to post your good deeds on social media because it doesn’t always protect those you’re serving or point to God. Be thankful in all that you do by praising God. Show a forgiving heart and continue to pray for those you have forgiven.

Prayer:
God, help me see that good enough is not enough. My good heart can never live up to your glorious standard, so thank you for forgiving me and lifting me when I stumble. Help me to show grace to others as you have shown grace to me. Thank you for finding me when I fail to live out my true purpose. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.