Journal Entry ~ 01/09/18

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:9-10

“Life is not a game with no lasting consequences. The way we live our lives has eternal consequences.”  I read this in a John Piper sermon this past week, and it’s really had a profound impact on the way I read these verses. As I said yesterday, God is telling us in this passage that our eternal life depends on our ability to continue to do good. These verses are not simply suggesting we become a kinder person - our eternity is at stake here so it’s important we understand what God is asking of us. The way we live out our lives matters, but it isn’t about our ability to do that in our own power, it’s about surrendering our will and allowing Christ to move in us. 

So many of us get it wrong so often. We spend our time trying so hard to be a good person or do what we’re supposed to do. If you’re anything like me, you read a verse like this, you immediately start thinking about where you have failed to do good and you resolve to change. We read scripture as a to do list - what are we supposed to do and how are we supposed to behave to be a good Christian. There is still so much hidden pride when we approach scripture like this - we’re still trying to manage our change. It’ll never work that way. Eventually, we’ll grow tired of getting it wrong and just give up. 

We do not earn our salvation through our good works. Life is not about demonstrating all that we can do to show we’re good. It’s not about showing our power to make good choices. Life is about allowing God to take a hold of our hearts, to humble us by revealing our selfishness, then growing our compassion for others by dwelling inside us and giving a glimpse of His perspective. Life is about showing our faith and proving in whom we place our trust. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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