If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) (NLT)

If we tried really hard, you and I could be good enough, right!? We could obey the law. How hard could it really be? We’re not THAT bad, are we?

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Well friend, the reality is that neither you, nor I, nor anyone that has walked this Earth apart from Jesus is even remotely close to perfect. In fact, we are far from it. That kind of stings, doesn’t it? In a culture where we are told that right or wrong are mostly subjective, yet so much seems to be broken, it makes me wonder whether the struggle to “be good enough” has plagued each generation. And in fact, the Bible is full of examples demonstrating how, throughout time, man has fought the impossible battle to perfectly obey the law. Even today we often believe the lie that we can be good enough.

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You see, we all are in the same position as described in Romans 3:23-24: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”  

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We all fall short of God’s standard, yet we are offered salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, trying to work or be good enough to earn it or deserve it actually detracts from the weight of the sacrifice that was made for us. And when you think about how much Jesus cares for us, it is cringy to think about us trying to (inadequately) pay for the gift he is giving us. Could you imagine someone who loves you deeply giving you a gift of great value and you trying to give them a few bucks? Seems off, doesn’t it?

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On a scale of immensely greater magnitude, that’s sort of like what we do when we try to depend on our works. It feels like an insult to the One who loves us more than we can understand. Where is our full faith in the Lord if we are also doing all we can do to try to earn his grace?  

Trying to depend on our own works only tarnishes faith. Attempting to somehow earn it is a futile effort and denies the sufficiency of the cross. So, if Jesus’ sacrifice for us really is a free gift that we don’t deserve and can never earn, then what? How do we respond?  

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What if we were to pivot from religion to relationship? You were created in the image of God, and he wants a personal relationship with you. One deeper and more meaningful than anything you can imagine. And as he draws you in further, he will invite you into living the life that he created you for.  

Jesus, I thank you that your sacrifice, resurrection, and victory over sin and death were completely sufficient. I thank you that I don’t have to spend my days trying to make myself good enough, work hard enough, or check the right boxes. Instead, I get to humble myself before you, know you deeper, and learn further how I can live according to how you have designed me. Please remind me each day to seek you, set aside my agenda, and walk in the better way that you have. I could never earn it, but I am so grateful for your love. Amen!