Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people.”— Deuteronomy 9:6 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

It is dangerously easy—even for sincere believers—to drift into thinking that God saved us because of something commendable in us. We may never say it out loud, but our hearts can quietly assume that God chose us because we were wiser, more receptive, more moral, or more spiritually inclined than others. Over time, that assumption can subtly turn grace into wages.

Moses confronted this very mindset in Israel. As the people prepared to enter the Promised Land, they could easily look at their victory and conclude that God was rewarding them for their faithfulness. Moses dismantles that illusion completely. Their inheritance, he says, had nothing to do with their righteousness. In fact, he reminds them repeatedly of their stubbornness, rebellion, and unfaithfulness. The land was not a trophy for good behavior—it was a gift rooted in God’s covenant mercy.

That truth carries straight into our own lives. Our salvation is not the result of our pedigree, performance, or persistence. It is not secured by church attendance, theological knowledge, or moral improvement. Scripture is relentless in teaching that grace is undeserved. God does not save good people—He saves sinners. And He does so for the sake of His name, His promises, and His glory.

When we forget this, pride begins to take root. Like the Pharisees, we may outwardly thank God while inwardly trusting ourselves. Obedience slowly turns into entitlement. Repentance fades. Gratitude cools. But when we remember that our righteousness is imputed—credited to us by faith in Christ, not achieved by effort—our hearts are restored to their proper posture.

Grace humbles us. It strips away boasting and replaces it with worship. It reminds us that every spiritual blessing we enjoy flows not from our worthiness, but from Christ’s finished work. The more clearly we see our stubbornness, the more brightly God’s mercy shines.

Reflection Questions

1. Have I ever assumed—subtly or openly—that God saved me because I was somehow “better” or more deserving?
2. In what areas of my spiritual life am I tempted to rely on discipline or morality instead of grace?
3. How does remembering God’s mercy toward my stubbornness cultivate humility and gratitude?
4. Who in my life may need to hear that God’s favor is received, not earned?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have thought too highly of myself, as though I could ever earn or deserve Your favor. Thank You for Your mercy that meets me in my stubbornness and rescues me by grace alone. Guard my heart from pride, self-righteousness, and entitlement. Teach me to walk humbly, remembering that Jesus is my righteousness and my hope. May my life overflow with gratitude for the undeserved gift of salvation You have given me. In Jesus holy name I pray, Amen.