Framed By Grace

Growing Daily

Framed by Grace

While paying my bill at the dentist the other day, I found myself scanning the array of framed diplomas, certifications, and professional achievements hanging on the wall—each one testifying to her experience and expertise.  But one frame in the middle caught my eye and held my attention:

“In obedience to the command of our Lord and Savior, and upon profession of faith in Jesus Christ...”

It was a Certificate of Baptism.

I smiled when I realized that among all the accomplishments announcing her skill and qualifications, my dentist chose to quietly display the credential that mattered most.

She understood what Paul meant when he reflected on his own impressive résumé—his lineage as a Jew, his training as a Pharisee, his faultless obedience to the law.  He wrote, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done… I consider everything else worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:4–8).

So when you’re tempted to measure yourself—whether by your successes or your failures—pause and remember that your name is registered in Heaven (Luke 10:20). That’s the most important credential on your wall of life.  And it can never be taken down.

- Catherine Reid