Friday, July 28, 2023
Last weekend, Pastor Andy spoke about how working to earn love, approval, or acceptance from others in our earthly relationships can be exhausting. As a people-pleaser, I have bent over backward for people, only to be left feeling empty, resentful, and angry because I didn’t receive the approval I sought. Those relationships are neither lasting nor life-giving.
Thankfully, as I’ve matured and rooted my faith in the truth of Jesus, it has allowed me to develop deeper, more meaningful life relationships. However, it’s still hard for me to comprehend anyone loving me enough to willingly die for me, let alone Jesus, who is both man and God and knows everything about me. But it’s more incredible when I consider that I didn’t do (and couldn’t do) anything to earn this gift, other than accept it. And as soon as I did accept it, Jesus’ Spirit came to reside in me, making me a new creation, free from all my past, current, and future sin! The same is true for you, too. Jesus brings us back to life!
Colossians 2:20-23
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
I’ve had human relationships that felt like I couldn’t work hard enough, long enough, or fast enough to measure up. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get it right. Jesus taught me that he loves me for who I am, not for what I do. I need to consciously shift my focus to working from God’s love, rather than trying to work for it, thinking God’s love is something I have to earn. This freedom is life changing!
Jesus has already done everything required to secure our spot in God’s Kingdom. We can continue to pray with a sense of peace and practice our rituals out of love and reverence, not duty. The principles behind many of the rules can be helpful, but they won’t save us—only Jesus can do that. He has already done for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
As for me, I will continue to work from God’s love and keep Jesus as Lord of my life, knowing he will never leave me nor forsake me.
Bottom Line: Security grows as we work from and not for.
Questions:
Do you accept that Jesus already did all the work to earn you a place in God's Kingdom? How is your foundation?
Next Steps:
Continue to read Colossians this week. Ask God what you should do to live from his love not for it.
Prayer:
Jesus, I put my life in your hands to do with me as you will. I am grateful that you gave your life to secure a place for me in your Kingdom. Continue to do what I cannot do for myself. Grow me to become of maximum use to both God and my fellows. In your name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.