We live in a "What have you done for me lately" world don't we? It seems like everywhere we turn there are people with expectations of us. It is so easy to get caught up in trying to meet the demands and expectations of others. Sometimes, we even have selfish motives for this pursuit of others' approval. I know, some truths are just hard to hear. Keep in mind, not hearing the truth does not make it less true! We live in a society where we are all expected to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, (What are bootstraps anyway?). We are expected by the world to make our own way and accomplish anything we want under our own power and authority. DOING more perpetuates more and greater rewards. Work harder, get noticed, get a raise and promotion. At home, maybe we replace genuine love for our spouse by working harder and bringing home more money. Maybe we give our kids everything they ask for in place of spending time with them and pouring into them. All of these behaviors are based on "us doing".
Is your spiritual life based on the same principal? Are you working your way into heaven? Are you relying on your own actions and efforts to ensure your relationship with Jesus is intact? If this is the case in your life I want to urge you to continue reading. See, salvation through Christ has EVERYTHING to do with what HE did and NOTHING to do with what we do or did. We read in Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved by faith- and this not from (insert your name here), it is the gift of God, not by works so that (insert your name here) cannot boast." See, Jesus did the "doing" on the cross. Salvation and eternity in heaven have nothing to do with how good you are, (Our righteousness is like filthy rags- Isa. 64:6) how much you do or don't do.
Be encouraged, 2 Cor. 6:2 reminds us that "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the time of salvation" I want to challenge you today to trust in Jesus Christ for your provision. His grace is sufficient. Are you willing to stop living under the yoke of "I GOTTA DO MORE"? Keep seeking, keep praying. Let's change to a "WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR ME TODAY" mentality!
Waiting on Him,
ML
