For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13–14
Christianity is not a performance industry. God has no interest in our performance, which is something we manufacture for some purpose we perceive is beneficial to us.
Performance measures how well I do something. This is not the measure God applies. Our friendship with God is only possible because of what Jesus has won for us on Calvary.
No matter what I do I can add nothing to the grace gift extended to me by God. Often I have attempted to win God’s approval. Or worse, I have compared myself favourably against what I determine is another person’s failure.
Christianity is not graded like an exam, from outstanding to failure. That’s because we all start out as failures. We don’t have the ability to put things right with God. That’s the work of redemption and we are the beneficiaries of a love that knows no bounds.
It’s our choice the degree to which we place our faith in God no matter what hand life deals us. For through the eye of faith we see God’s purpose and realise our destiny.
Without faith we can only rely upon our performance, assuming it impresses God as much as we might impress ourselves. Those with no faith often appeal to their attempt to live a good life as their deposit against an eternity they’re not sure they believe in. Sadly, the best of lives make no impression upon a God who sent his own Son to recover us from the dominion of darkness.
Faith is non-transferable. It is the prize awaiting anyone who has the encourage to embark upon a quest in search of a faith of their own. As with every quest, such adventures are fraught with dangers, difficulties and doubts. What might best be described as the shadow of faith?
Something to Consider: How effectively has the seed of faith planted in your heart grown over your years of following Jesus? Is it in need of some attention?
An Action to Take: Acknowledge that there is nothing you can do that will make you worthier of God’s love.
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and forgiving me my sins.’
Photo by Dhilip Antony on Unsplash
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