No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.  Romans 2:29  NIV

It would be immensely pleasing to think that we are saved by code.  It would be great if, by our declaration, it was magically so.  Our earthly walk would be so much easier if we could just say we have faith, but never have to walk the lonely miles it takes to stretch or strengthen it.  Our Christian life would be easy if we could say we love God but never have to suffer under a burdened heart and desperately search for Him.  Our relationship would be a breeze If we could just say we know Jesus but never turn from our earthly pursuits, rearrange our busy schedules or invest time searching His Word or getting to know Him.  But do we often try to make our walk with the Lord a fact without going the extra mile?  Do we take our religion for granted and expect to be saved by some code?

Shall we seek the Lord now with an attitude that is worthy of Him?  Shall we take our gains and use them to bring us more fully into His Presence?  Shall we leave others to trust their code and seek to have our God in living experience and at any expense to us now?

Dear Lord,

Let us resist the easy road.  Let us suffer any discomfort, any painful lesson we must, just to gain new ground and new nearness to You!  Let our walk be one tried, tested and true!  Let us be Yours by every demonstration that we have truly chosen You over our own comfort or code we pray!

Amen