Remembering Where You Came From
Scripture
Ephesians 2:1–5 (NLT) “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
Devotion
One thing that helped keep David humble was that he did not forget where he came from: a forgotten shepherd boy, the youngest son, out in the fields when everyone else was being paraded before Samuel. He remembered lions and bears, the smell of sheep, and the obscurity of the pasture.
In the sermon, this became a warning: sometimes after we come to the altar, we act like we’ve become “judge, jury, and executioner” over everyone else. We forget our own story. We forget what God brought us out of. We become hard toward the broken instead of soft.
Paul, in Ephesians, reminds believers: “Once you were dead… you used to live in sin… but God…” Remembering our past without Christ is not about living in shame; it’s about staying anchored in gratitude and humility. It keeps us from looking down on others who are where we once were.
If we lose sight of how desperate we were, we will lose compassion for the desperate all around us.
Reflection
1. Where did God meet you at your “most broken place”? Take a moment to remember it specifically.
2. Have you slipped into judging others more than you remember your own rescue story?
3. Who in your life right now is living where you once were—and how might God want to use your story to reach them?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for saving me when I was dead in my sins. Don’t let me ever forget where You brought me from. Guard me from spiritual pride and a critical spirit. Let my memories of my own brokenness fuel compassion, not shame. Help me see others the way You saw me at my worst. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ephesians 2:1–5 (NLT) “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
Devotion
One thing that helped keep David humble was that he did not forget where he came from: a forgotten shepherd boy, the youngest son, out in the fields when everyone else was being paraded before Samuel. He remembered lions and bears, the smell of sheep, and the obscurity of the pasture.
In the sermon, this became a warning: sometimes after we come to the altar, we act like we’ve become “judge, jury, and executioner” over everyone else. We forget our own story. We forget what God brought us out of. We become hard toward the broken instead of soft.
Paul, in Ephesians, reminds believers: “Once you were dead… you used to live in sin… but God…” Remembering our past without Christ is not about living in shame; it’s about staying anchored in gratitude and humility. It keeps us from looking down on others who are where we once were.
If we lose sight of how desperate we were, we will lose compassion for the desperate all around us.
Reflection
1. Where did God meet you at your “most broken place”? Take a moment to remember it specifically.
2. Have you slipped into judging others more than you remember your own rescue story?
3. Who in your life right now is living where you once were—and how might God want to use your story to reach them?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for saving me when I was dead in my sins. Don’t let me ever forget where You brought me from. Guard me from spiritual pride and a critical spirit. Let my memories of my own brokenness fuel compassion, not shame. Help me see others the way You saw me at my worst. In Jesus’ name, amen.