ARE WE GOOD ENOUGH?
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6, ESV
Theme: We do not have to be “good enough” to enter heaven, but God empowers us to live His way and bring honor to Jesus.
UNDER HIS NAME
Are you surprised you are not perfect? Are you discouraged because you feel that you are not making any progress in your spiritual life? Do you feel incomplete or distressed by your shortcomings? If so, do not give up … welcome to our earthly humanity.
As children of God, just remember that He will never give up on you. As Paul emphasizes in Philippians, God will bring all the good work in you to completion through Jesus Christ. When God starts a project, He completes it. That is His commitment to you. He will never give up on you. Do not give up on yourself. When we understand that God empowers us to live through His Son this way, our salvation is assured through His Free Gift. When our earthly job is completed, He will judge us as more than good enough.
God knows our shortcomings. We all fall short of perfection. He created us so that we may have an everlasting relationship with Him. We were created in His image. He will always be willing to forgive us. His only Son, Jesus, died for us. Accepting the perfection of Jesus gives us the good news of Hope, and that makes us good enough. God loves you.
HIS GOOD WORK IN ME
This very devotional narrative is a great example of never giving up on myself and knowing that God will never give up on me. I am not sure if I would have had the confidence to share my spiritual thoughts with anybody just a few years ago. I felt inferior to those who preached, prayed, and dispensed spiritual advice. I felt that I could not measure up to my own standard.
It took some very deep Quiet Time, sharing my doubts with the Lord, to realize that He supports every sincere endeavor under His name. “Under His Name” is the key. Whatever is pursued His way, bringing honor to Jesus Christ, makes us good enough to enter His realm, because His promise is His offering to us. My devotion is my offering to Him. I understand – now – that our relationship is reciprocal. Through the Holy Spirit, I shall always be good enough for the Lord, regardless of how “good enough” is defined.
Make It Personal: You, as well, are on your way to completing His good work through Christ … in that you took the time to read this devotion as part of your personal relationship with God. You are committing to His way. You seek encouragement through Him. He will never give up on you. Let us grow together in His loving Grace.
Pray: We thank You Lord, for allowing us this life of spiritual partnership in good work. Your trusting empowerment helps us honor Your Son, our Savior, as our mutual commitments help us grow in grace. We shall continue to do good; honoring Your Name, and the name of Christ Jesus, until that day we meet in Your heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
Read: Psalm 68:28, 32-35; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Hebrews 13:8
Weekly Memory Verse: ‘Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6, ESV