The Starting Point
Without me ye can do nothing. —John 15:5
The starting point in anyone’s relationship with God is admitting you are nothing without Him. Paul wrote, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing” (Rom. 7:18). Don’t be deceived by the gospel of “self-esteem.” “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Gal. 6:3). “Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Ps. 39:5).
“It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). We do not have what it takes. Start with your nothingness – “Just as I am, without one plea.” We can bring nothing to Christ but our need.
“All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him.”
—Joseph Hart in his hymn Come, Ye Sinners.
