Freedom — For Good Works – Monday
TODAY’S VERSE
Galatians 3:3-4
How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? (NLT)
I was baptized at age 11, and honestly, at the time I understood the gospel to be a “checklist” God needed me to do so I could get into Heaven. I was fully surrendered, or at least I was ALL IN to do anything and everything the Lord needed me to do. God captured my heart, but my mind was still my own at that point in my walk with the Lord.
When I was in high school, a wise mentor recognized this misguided heart posture in me. She made it her mission to help me understand the heart of God, just like Paul did with the church in Galatia. Because of her time and intentionality, I now see the gospel as it’s supposed to be seen: an invitation to new life with Jesus and joining His mission to expand the Church.
Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection weren’t meant for us to continue striving for our salvation. They were intended for us to start living a life of freedom that results in (not by) good works to proclaim the gospel to those around us. Good works are done to glorify God, not ourselves. Good works are done to invite others to the feet of Jesus. Good works are done to help the Church continue to grow. That’s why you hear and see the words one more around our campuses.
I had to learn how to receive the Lord’s love and salvation without earning it. One particular homework assignment in college helped me do just that. My professor had us write this sentence 50 times every week for a semester: “I am saved in Christ by grace through faith.” This small homework assignment became a powerful reminder of the true gospel I needed to keep my focus on. It allowed me to remember that good works are an overflow or byproduct of a heart aligned with the Lord, not an interest payment on salvation. As recipients of God’s grace, we can then extend His grace to those who have never experienced it before so that they can also see His heart towards them.
APPLICATION
Do something this week to remind yourself of the power of the gospel. Whether that’s writing out the sentence I referenced earlier 50 times, having a conversation with someone about the gospel, or making time in your day to worship.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for new life in You and the grace You’ve extended to me to be a part of Your mission. Create in me a pure heart to love You deeper and to love those around me more compassionately.