This week we take a look at the concept of worthiness. Are we worthy? If so, how?
We have been looking at Jesus’s statement, “It is finished.” He fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law. Right now, in our lives, what does that look like for you and me?
We were saved by grace through faith. But our flesh and soul still tend to walk in the old habits of thinking and acting like we are justified by the law. “I have to do this! I have to do that. I have to keep God happy. I have to keep others happy.”
When we are in a works based-righteousness attitude we are much more suspect to the temptation that God owes us something because of what we have done. “God, I did all these things for You. How could You let this happen to me?” I did is me focused and when we use the word for it shows we are now looking for an exchange. God owes me something. He needs to do something for me because I did something for Him.
God doesn’t owe you and me anything. He is faithful to His promises and commitments. That is based on Him being true to His Word. Sit in the mentality, “Look at what Jesus has done for me. He has made me worthy.” This is a healthy perspective.
Currently, I’m living in Utah surrounded by many Latter Day Saint (Mormon) friends. I grew up Methodist and I openly tell them, “Whether you are Methodist or Mormon it’s not about your works. We don’t earn God’s favor. Good works won’t save you or bring freedom.” In the video today I share quotes from leaders in the LDS Church about what it takes to be worthy. Watch the video to hear more about how this type of thinking influences us as well.
We tend to think, if I do these things it makes me more holy. No, our holiness comes from the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This is the exchange. He took my sin. He gave me His holiness. It is true that sometimes my actions as a child of God are more Godly (God like). But they don’t make me holy. Sometimes I act less Godly. But His love for me is still the same.
No matter what your background is, whether it was or is Methodist, Mormon, Muslim, Atheist or something else, let’s all run to Jesus and trust in His finished work on the cross, whether you have never trusted in Him before or whether it is a heart posture you have been purposing to walk in for years. Let’s enjoy the freedom we have in Christ this week. Don’t use is as an excuse for sin. Use it to empower you to live a life of love!
