In your zeal to make the Lord’s name known wherever you can, have you forgotten your first love? Do you realize that there is nobody who needs the gospel more than you do yourself? If you’re neglecting your Lord, repent. If you think you’re doing rather well, repent! Confess your needs to believers and unbelievers alike. And as the Apostle Paul did, ask for prayer.

It often seems that just about the time we’ve graduated from the gospel, it’s time to start school all over again. The moment you think others need the gospel more than you do, you find yourself humbled before the Lord. As an Army chaplain, I share with my soldiers a double bond of brokenness: sin and suffering. With them, I grieve the pains of the Fall. With them, I share the hope of Christ to deal with our sin and misery once and for all.

Yet I often forget my need for the gospel. Avoid that dangerous confidence. Those who know they are the greatest of sinners know their need for the greatest of Saviors. Praise God, He has provided for that need.