Time for a gut check. Starting with myself.
In today’s culture, we often walk a very fine line between entitlement and empowerment. Between what we think is owed to us and what we treasure as a gift of grace. Between confidence and cockiness. Between a spirit of me first and a spirit of others first.
Take for example, God’s grace for us exemplified through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.
If at any point we think we deserve His death and resurrection, deserve His forgiveness and grace, or deserve an eternity spent with Him, we miss the point of grace completely. There’s nothing we have ever done or ever could do to become more worthy or deserving of His great love and sacrifice for us. BUT, this does not mean we walk with slumped shoulders or our heads down towards the ground.
It actually means quite the opposite for us. When we truly start to let the truth of God’s great love for us sink in, we can’t help but walk a little taller and smile a little bigger. Because we know that our identity, purpose, and value rest in HIM. Not ourselves. The weight on our shoulders to achieve something great or make something of ourselves has been lifted because our lives all of a sudden become about making much of Him. Making much of the God of the universe who chose us, pursued us, and loves us in our mess.
So what does this mean for us in our business or ministry?
Are we living entitled? Do we believe our job, our paycheck, our leadership role, our followers, or our influence is owed to us because of some great work we have done?
Or are we living empowered? Do we recognize every gift, opportunity, or talent is a gift from our Creator for His glory and His ultimate plan of redemption?
God, help us to follow You in Your perfect example of confidence and humility. We want to live boldly – to make much of you and less of ourselves. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
He must become greater, I must become less.
John 3:30
