Good morning mighty men of valor...
If you are like me, we can sometimes fall into the "performance addict" role where we show our works as the fee to be accepted, included and a member of God's house.
A "justification" for our condition.
Now good works is a good thing, no?
The problem is I sometimes look at my works and they are so good, not worthy of, well, anything... My performance is poor.
I made a bad choice... shown bad behavior... and, well, just came up short.
And then it happens...
I hear the voice that says..."DISQUALIFIED"
I realize that I was not good enough to make God's team.
Cut from the squad.... released.... sent home.
Maybe you feel this way,too at times.
But God vehemently disagrees!
I find it interesting that God says we were "adopted" to be His sons, not "born" into sonship... ever think about this?
This carries a great significance for an adopted child is chosen, selected, hand picked by his newfound parent. Not born by chance, a "surprize", a "mistake".
There are no mistakes on the part of the selection committee... in this case Almighty God, Himself.
I was chosen.... not due to my works nor my performance.
As were you ... chosen, selected, hand picked, a #1 draft choice.... The Lord Jesus gave you the "nod".
Eph. 1:4-6, 13-14 (NKJV.... bold type added by me) says...
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
So here's some truth....
Our performance doesn't get us in.
Our performance is to be an offering, an excellent offering, to participate with our Father and to honor Him, glorify Him and thank Him.
We are accepted... no longer orphans (Jn 14:18)... And more... joint heirs with Christ Jesus... Praise His Name.
Think about it!
Strength and Honor, but Only for His Glory,
MDN Coach Dennis Labriola
Author of Seventh-Inning Stretch: Reflection on the Game of Life
Seventh-Inning Stretch: Reflections on the Game of Life by Dennis Labriola, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
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