Many of us church volunteers and leaders, love to participate in God’s work to advance His Kingdom. But could it be that our purpose for doing so is to get more of God’s favor, blessing, and even His Presence?
We probably know that the gospel offers forgiveness and salvation. But do we think for one second that when it comes to God’s favor, blessing or access to Him, we need to strive for it?
Think again. The Gospel in itself offers His provision and His Presence, too.
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. – Galatians 3:29
There is a tendency for us to forget this given the system of the transactional world we live in. We’re simply limited from comprehending this grace completely. It won’t even take our lifetime, not even an eternity to fully grasp it.
If we can truly begin to understand this grace, we will feel compelled to serve God with excellence and dedication, to honor Him in every way as a response.
If you’re in Christ, you are already favored, forgiven, and free. He is pleased with you, not because of the ways you seek Him out, but because of His Son who sought you out. Not because of the ministry work you do, but because of His ministry’s work on the cross.
Prayer
Lord, we repent if there’s any hint of pride in the work we do for You. Help us humble ourselves to meditate on the real assessment of ourselves–sinners saved by grace. May we always remember that we cannot gain Your approval, favor and Your Presence. Because once we are in Christ, we already have all these. In Jesus name… Amen.
Michael B. Manahan 