Devotional
Most of us live with a nagging question in the back of our minds: “Am I good enough?” We measure ourselves against others, keep mental scorecards of our successes and failures, and wonder if we’re doing enough to earn approval – from our families, our employers, and especially from God. But Christianity turns this entire system upside down. The gospel isn’t a list of requirements we must meet to gain God’s acceptance. It’s the stunning announcement of what God has already done to secure our acceptance through Christ. This changes everything. When you wake up tomorrow morning, your standing with God won’t depend on how well you pray, how much you read your Bible, or how kind you are to difficult people. Your acceptance was settled 2,000 years ago on a cross outside Jerusalem. This doesn’t make obedience optional – it makes it joyful. When you know you’re already loved, already chosen, already secure, you don’t serve God to earn His favor. You serve Him because you already have it. You don’t worship to get God’s attention; you worship because you already have His heart. There’s a freedom in this that religion can never offer. No more performing for approval. No more anxiety about whether you’ve done enough. No more comparing yourself to others to see who’s winning the spiritual competition. Your acceptance is based on what Jesus accomplished, not what you achieve. And because of what He’s done, you’re free to live with gratitude instead of guilt, confidence instead of condemnation.
Bible Verse
‘After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”‘ – Mark 1:14-15
Reflection Question
How would your daily life change if you truly believed that your acceptance by God is already secure through Christ’s finished work, rather than dependent on your performance?
Prayer
Father, thank You that my acceptance isn’t based on my performance but on Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Help me live from this security rather than striving for it. Free me from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn what You’ve already given. Let my obedience flow from gratitude, not guilt. Amen.