Irrational Exuberance
Theme of the Week: Source of Confidence
Bryan Chapell
Friday, March 12, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: Since we are his children, we will share his treasures—for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too (Romans 8:17). Bonus Reading:Romans 8:18–25
While a seminary student, I'd been invited by church friends to a fancy dinner party. I was feeling terribly out of place amid all the finery and high society manners, when a fellow about my age drifted over to talk. He seemed more out of place than I. Amid the tuxedos and black ties, he wore tattered blue jeans, an old plaid shirt, and a pair of waffle-stomper boots. Oblivious to his poverty and inappropriate attire, he exuded a carefree confidence.
Only when he walked away and I was told who he was did I understand why. He was the heir to a local chemical company fortune, and wealthy beyond my imagining. Because his father wanted him to experience "real life," he was temporarily living without the full benefits of his wealth. But he wasn't distraught because the riches that were assuredly his made his rags or not fitting in at a dinner party meaningless concerns. This heir, by his lack of concern about his present poverty, was virtually flaunting his future wealth.
We too, as heirs of glory, can be confident of our inheritance and constantly joyful despite any current difficulties.
—Bryan Chapell in The Promises of Grace
My Response: How can my assured inheritance provide buoyancy here and now?
Thought to Apply: Consciousness of our powers augments them.
—Luc de Vauvenargues (French soldier & moralist)
Adapted from The Promises of Grace (Baker, 2001) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
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Almighty God, give me a calm confidence based not on my own abilities but on your absolute trustworthiness and power.
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