It's Because Of Jesus

We've been taught that we have greater value as we do more good things whether at work or school. But this concept doesn't apply in our relationship with God. Our value in God's eye is not based on our works, but on what Jesus did for us. It's because of Jesus.

I was reading in the Bible how the Pharisees (religious rulers) judged Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. I thought to myself, "I can't believe the Pharisees judged the tax collectors and sinners without realizing they too were just as sinful as them."

But it was in that moment when God convicted me and said, "Have you not realized that you have been thinking the same way as the Pharisees?"

When God asked me that question the Holy Spirit revealed to me exactly what he meant.

I have been doing the Daniel's fast for the past couple of weeks (giving up meat, sugar, and bread). While I knew many people who were doing the fast, I also knew those who were not doing the fast.

Without me realizing, I was looking down on those who chose not to do the Daniel's fast. I had thoughts that I was a better Christian and more valued than them.

God reminded me that just because I fast, it does not mean I'm better than those who don't fast.

God values me just as much as he values someone who does not follow Jesus. It is only because of Jesus that we can be called righteous.

Who am I to think that I'm better than others because of the works I've done?  I was thinking just like what the Pharisees were thinking without even realizing it.

Romans 3:22-24 says, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Our value is not based on our works, but on the works of Jesus. 

We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). There's no good deed we can do to make ourselves worthy of God. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice who can redeem our sins.

Jesus died on the cross and His blood covered all our sins. It's because of Jesus that we can stand before God and have a relationship with him.

Will you accept Jesus as your savior? Will you accept God’s gift of grace that he has freely given to you?

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

God will not value us more because we wake up earlier than anyone to pray, or because we memorize more verses, or because we devot our whole lives to ministry. Our works are not what brings us value to God. God loved us even while we were sinners and it's by His grace that He sent Jesus to save us.

We have no reason to boast about the things we do for God because our works would mean nothing if Jesus never died on the cross for us.

I am who I am today not because of the sacrifices I made, but because of the sacrifice that Jesus made.

Being Christian isn't about doing religious things. It's about coming to know Jesus and being devoted to Him. Christianity is about having an intimate relationship with the most almighty God who made the world and everything in it.

We fast and devote our lives to God not to gain worth in God's eyes, but to know him in such a deeper way and to be transformed more into His image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says,"..we are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord.."

The more we spend time with Jesus, the more we become like Jesus.

Jesus is calling each of us to follow him. Will you follow Jesus and put aside your desires to hear what He is asking you to do?

Jesus will change your life and for the better. He promises us this: "..I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). God has already made a way for you to know him. He has given you the free gift to stand in His presence.

God desires for you to know him. There is much treasure to be found as we devote our time to God. He wants to show you what your purpose is in life and how much joy there is in knowing Christ.

God's not asking you to do more, but to come to him in surrender and a willingness to follow Jesus. There is nothing more you can do because Jesus has done it all. So remember, it's because of Jesus that you are valued and loved.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that there is nothing more I can do to gain your love for me.