Ephesians 2:8-9
Have you ever tried to start a fire with dry leaves? Once they catch, WHOOSH, you see huge, exciting flames, then about 30 seconds later, the fire’s out. Could you imagine trying to sustain a fire with JUST leaves? It would take tons of effort, the excitement would be short-lived, and you still wouldn’t end up with a long-lasting fire to keep everyone warm.
Often times, we can put a lot of effort toward keeping the fire alive in our walk with Jesus by leading bible studies, serving at church, or sharing our faith, but still ultimately find ourselves tired and burnt out. It can be tempting to sustain our faith by DOING the work God called us to, but if we’re doing so without being rooted in what Jesus has already accomplished for us, we’ll continually find ourselves back in that place.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says “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.”
The gift of God for us is his grace, his unmerited favor. We already have it! No works can change that! When we’re fully confident of our secure place with the Father and of the unmerited favor he’s bestowed upon us, our good works come naturally. And they’re sustained by the Spirit, not by our efforts.
If we are to press on in the work God has called us to, let’s do away with the leaves. They’ll be short-lived anyway.
CHALLENGE:
1) Is there anywhere that you’re relying on good works to sustain you in your walk with Jesus?
2) Take some time to sit in the truth about our salvation – it’s been purchased for us! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
By Alie Heenan | Copper Mountain, Colorado