In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. [Ephesians 1:7-10]

The religious live as if God is lucky to have them. They think that their salvation is the ultimate act of God’s creative power and Jesus’ resurrecting power. Although they would not readily admit it, they believe God exists to save them. It would never occur to them that such a view is tremendously egocentric.

How could someone read this passage and think that God is in anyway dependent on us? He touches our lives because he wants to, not because he has to.

God, I can’t repent of the sins of mankind. I wish I could. But I can see my own opinion of myself in comparison to your holiness. I don’t want to be religious. Open my heart to your grace. Overwhelm and exceed me.