I have a friend who's continually working to improve herself.
She:
She sure sounds like model citizen and an excellent friend. Right?
But she bristles when I dare to mention anything about my faith in Jesus Christ.
You see, she doesn't want to hear that all of her energetic attempts to perfect herself, and to make herself acceptable to God aren't enough.
She can't--no --she chooses not to believe that something so wonderful as the Gospel can be true.
Why?
Because then she can't take any credit for all this wonderful self-achieved perfection.
It's sad.
I guess she hasn't yet reached the "end of her rope."
When you get to that spot, you realize that only God is good enough.
GREAT NEWS!
But that's what's so wonderful about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that you don't have to drive yourself crazy trying to earn your way to heaven.
You can't.
And God, in His great compassion, sent His Son to do it for us. He did the work. He paid the price.
All you gotta do is believe.
When Jesus raised His friend, Lazarus, from the grave, He said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John11: 40 NIV)
I'd love to say to my friend, "Give up. You're not fooling God. In spite of all your works of charity, He sees right down to the middle of your soul. Get squared away with Him first. Then, continue to do your works, recognizing that those good things don't make God love you any more than He does already.
THAT'S WHY WE LOVE CHRISTMAS!
During this Christmas season, I'd love to be able to say to my friend, "this is why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus was born to provide us rest from all our weary and ceaseless labors in search of God's forgiveness and acceptance. So stop trying so hard. Relax. Let God give you His perfection.
"God rest you merry, Gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day. . .
to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!"
She:
- reads books to improve her mind
- travels extensively
- attends cultural and artistic events and performances
- volunteers in the community
- gives money to charity
- practices her yoga faithfully
- watches her diet
- tries to be a good and considerate neighbor and co-worker
- is a good wife and mother
She sure sounds like model citizen and an excellent friend. Right?
But she bristles when I dare to mention anything about my faith in Jesus Christ.
You see, she doesn't want to hear that all of her energetic attempts to perfect herself, and to make herself acceptable to God aren't enough.
She can't--no --she chooses not to believe that something so wonderful as the Gospel can be true.
Why?
Because then she can't take any credit for all this wonderful self-achieved perfection.
It's sad.
I guess she hasn't yet reached the "end of her rope."
When you get to that spot, you realize that only God is good enough.
GREAT NEWS!
But that's what's so wonderful about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that you don't have to drive yourself crazy trying to earn your way to heaven.
You can't.
And God, in His great compassion, sent His Son to do it for us. He did the work. He paid the price.
All you gotta do is believe.
When Jesus raised His friend, Lazarus, from the grave, He said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John11: 40 NIV)
I'd love to say to my friend, "Give up. You're not fooling God. In spite of all your works of charity, He sees right down to the middle of your soul. Get squared away with Him first. Then, continue to do your works, recognizing that those good things don't make God love you any more than He does already.
THAT'S WHY WE LOVE CHRISTMAS!
During this Christmas season, I'd love to be able to say to my friend, "this is why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus was born to provide us rest from all our weary and ceaseless labors in search of God's forgiveness and acceptance. So stop trying so hard. Relax. Let God give you His perfection.
"God rest you merry, Gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day. . .
to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!"
Well said, Dena!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas,
Susan :)