During my daily quiet time, I typically read a few devotionals as well as my Bible. Interestingly, one day this week, each had the same message. Coincidence? I think not. The message was rooted in Romans 10:3.
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (NKJV)
In essence this is saying that when we don’t know about or haven’t received the righteousness of God (right standing with Him through Jesus), we try to make ourselves righteous. Think of it this way. Instead of receiving a free gift from someone, you try to earn it.
It’s like saying, “No, no. I can’t accept that unless I do something for you.”
God is saying to us, “Here’s my free gift of righteousness that My Son died for you to have. It’s yours!” Instead of saying – “Woo Hoo! Thank you Lord!” We say “No, thank you. I have to work to be in right relationship with you by trying to be perfect. Then I’ll be worthy of this amazing gift.”
This sets us up for a lifetime of struggles and frustration because we are far from perfect! But guess what? God knows that and He loves us anyway. Nothing we do or say will ever change that. Now, He may not like some of the things we do, but He loves us. Love is who God is so He can’t help but love us!
Each of us has messed up in some way shape or form over our lives. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) This “falling short” state is the reason Jesus came. He didn’t come to condemn us, but to save us, to provide a means for continual fellowship and friendship with God the Father (John 3:17-19).
God is not wagging His heavenly finger when we mess up. No! He’s beckoning us to draw closer to Him so He can help us to change the things we cannot change ourselves. And the good news? We don’t have to do it alone! We have God’s Word as our truth to stand on. We have the Holy Spirit who is our Guide and Counselor to lead us.
Growing up with organized religion, I was taught that God only loved me when I was good. If I wasn’t, His wrath would pour out and off to hell I’d go. Kinda scary for a little girl, right?
While I am grateful for the foundational teachings I learned, I grew up being afraid of God – that’s the last thing He wants! Oh sure, we should revere Him because He is holy, but there’s no need to fear
Him. He is our loving Father in heaven. Perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
Thankfully, I’ve unlearned some of the things I was taught. Here’s what I want to share with you:
- God is not mad at us. He’s madly in love with us! (John 3:16)
- God wants us with Him for all eternity in heaven. (John 14:1-3)
- God wants our hearts, not just our hands. (John 6:28-29)
- When we receive what Jesus did for us, all of our sins are forgiven and God does not remember them. (Hebrews 8:12)
- God wants to spend time with us. (1 Corinthians 1:9)
An “earn and deserve” mentality about God can keep us tied up in knots, always striving to get on God’s good side, always wondering if we’re doing it right. But when we put our faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus, and accept God’s free gift of righteousness, our striving and wondering cease.
If you’re tired and weary of religion, and want to experience what a relationship with God is like, take a look to Matthew 11:28-30, which encourages us to stop striving and seek Jesus instead.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)
P.S. I normally share an Elevate The Day podcast that relates to my blog topic however, today I’m going to share one that “happened” to appear in my feed today and guess what? It’s all about God’s love! Take a listen by clicking here!