Don’t you enjoy the times when you feel like thriving at the Christian life?
You finally started that plan to read your Bible in one year, you have been praying every morning and giving up all those hours spent on social media. You look at yourself and feel like you are a decent Christian woman doing her best at living for Christ.
Until one day you break your perfect Bible strike, you rush through the day and don’t have time for that morning devotional, you find yourself scrolling again and feeling upset for not having the life you expected, and those intrusive thoughts from past mistakes come back.
All of a sudden life starts slipping into your hands and you feel guilty for not being “spiritual enough” (once more).
This, dear friend, will be one of our biggest struggles for as long as we live on this earth.
Key notes
- When we take spiritual growth into our own hands, the guilt of not being spiritual enough will be almost inevitable.
- Every time we ask Jesus what to do to be a better Christian we will most likely not like his answer.
- Our human desire for control and self-righteousness reveals only one thing: we are absolutely hopeless on our own.
- Growing in Christ is nothing else but Christ himself rooting us in the truth that he has already accomplished everything for us.
This is my struggle too. What can I do about it?
I often ask this question: How can I grow closer to God? Can somebody just give me the formula or the 10 steps to develop a deeper connection with God? And the Lord, knowing my desire for control and achievement let me to the story of the rich young man found in Mark.
This young man asked Jesus a similar question: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (10:17) to which Jesus responded, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother’” (10:20).
You noticed that? This young man asked what do I need to do? And in light of that question Jesus actually gave him a list of commandments. But that is not all there is in this story.
Let’s keep reading:
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions (10:21-22)
The rich young man is confident that his efforts will pay off. He tells Jesus he has kept all these commandments maybe expecting to receive a pat on the back. However, Jesus, knowing his heart and loving him much, asked the very thing this young man did not want to give. “Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me”.
I too, have dedicated most of my life thinking that my efforts for God and my trust in what I have accomplished is what make Jesus smile. The truth is, just as this young man who went again sorrowful. Every time we ask Jesus what to do to be a better Christian we will most likely not like his answer.
So, walking closely with God isn’t about me?
Our human desire for control and self-righteousness reveals only one thing: we are absolutely hopeless on our own. No Bible challenge, good deeds or hours of prayer will grant us salvation.
Instead, it is the confession of our shortcomings and the acknowledgment that we are already saved and forgiven in Christ what make us free. Growing in Christ is nothing else but Christ himself rooting us in the truth that he has already accomplished everything for us.
The work of the cross frees us from the burden of having to perform to feel spiritual enough.
Reading my Bible, spending time in prayer, and serving my neighbor are surely necessary for every Christian but not the means to salvation. These practices only flow from a grateful heart that knows what Christ has done for a sinner like you and me.
So, if you want to grow closer to God prepare to sell all that you have and follow him or in other words prepare to have your sinful desires exposed and then embrace the incomprehensible love of Christ.
We are in need of a Savior bigger than ourselves. It is in Him that the impossible through human effort was made possible. No mistake, feeling, or sin can stand against this truth.
Therefore; whether it seems like you are doing everything perfect for God or failing at every way possible, rest in the assurance of Christ grace and forgiveness. Rest in the one who has already fulfilled all commandments for your salvation.
My prayer for you
“Dear God, I pray that the woman reading this can find rest in the promises found in your forgiveness and grace through Christ. Remind her that she does not need to work, strive or get busy to feel closer to you, but only to believe that your Spirit is already with her. Give her peace and strength according to her needs in this life. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
For Reflection
Read Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
What are areas in your life where you are carrying the weight of performance? What would it look like to give your burdens to Christ and rest in His salvation for you?