Is It Enough?
by Pastor E
We live in a merit-based world. Whether it’s our jobs, our marriages, playing sports, in relationships, or at school, we can find ourselves motivated by the idea that our value is measured by what we produce. This can even be translated for some that our productivity equals self value.
In your job, the more you produce, the more valuable you are to the company you are working for, in turn giving you value. Your marriage or your relationships can be performance based as well. You may believe that the more you “do” for your loved ones, or the more you provide, the more you will be loved. When this happens, your self-value becomes based on what you can “give or do” rather than “who you are.” Sports and school can develop this same pattern in our students. Society says that their output (performance) determines their worth, value, popularity, and even success.
This “works righteousness” in our lives can be dangerous when it bleeds into our relationship with God. We can find ourselves wondering and doubting if we have done enough for God to love us. Questions creep in like, “Am I worth God’s love and grace, have I done enough for him? Have I done enough good that God will forgive me of my sins?” When we allow our merit-based world to collide with our faith, it can lead us down a path of uncertainty, unhealthy doubts, and a wrestling with peace in our lives.
But, brothers and sisters, we stand on the truth that we don’t have to prove to God or ourselves that we are good enough! Paul writes in Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” That, brothers and sisters, is GRACE! No personal work, output, or performance is needed on our part to receive the love, grace, and mercy of our Heavenly Father. In the book of Ephesians Paul writes that this grace is a gift, “not your own doing: it is a gift of God.” The work of Jesus (the gospel) destroys and erases our need to perform! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” Ephesians 2:8-9.
What a freeing truth for us as believers, that God’s love for us is not based on what or how much we do–rather on the truth that God loves us despite those things. He sees you, he loves you, and you are His. You have value, you are worthy, you matter, and you are so loved by your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! What more could you want….what more could God give?
As you navigate the next couple weeks, the next couple months, the rest of this year, be reminded of this truth, a truth that can transform you and I, and can change the world we live in. Instead of working to “hold” onto the hand of Jesus, be still and try to sit in his righteous hand who desires to hold you and give you peace! The “work” for you and I was “finished” at the cross, and God’s love was poured out for us when he rolled that stone away! Jesus is enough, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
With lots of love, brothers and sisters!! Pastor E