You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:6-8

We all face the struggle of authority issues on a daily basis. However, God is the author of authority. He has strategically placed authorities over us in ways that can shape us and make us into something greater. He wants us to play a huge role in His redemptive plan on planet Earth.  But in living our lives as God intends, we cannot miss the significance of the role that God plays.  We have all seen the movie or read the book where the hero/heroine rides off to lay down their life for the one they love. It is the ultimate act of bravery. It is the ultimate act of love.  Somehow, though, we miss that love when we think about Christ. We would recognize it in any other story, but we neglect it when it comes to Jesus’ love for us. 

Read today’s verses again. And this time, thank God for the love that Christ showed to us on the cross. Recognize the significance of that sacrifice.

Dear God, It is so easy to put fictional characters on a pedestal and idolize their façade. Please help me to keep life in the proper perspective and to truly understand and acknowledge the significance of the sacrifice that You have made personally for me. Help me to show my gratitude to You by living under your authority each and every day, in everything I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.