Galatians 2:16-21
Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law, I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. Galatians 2:16-21 (NRSVUE)
Are you the type of person who wakes up in the morning with a mental ‘to do’ checklist? Or maybe you are someone who makes a list the night before? Sometimes we create a religious checklist: read my daily devotion, end the day with reflection, say my prayers (and hope I don’t fall asleep while praying), go to church, volunteer for the task I signed up for on the Southwood website, etc.
Although these are excellent disciplines to guide our actions, we fall into the ‘never enough’ mindset if we don’t check everything off our list. We find ourselves chasing approval or trying to measure up to others. In these verses Paul tells us that we are not saved by good works, but by the sacrifice Jesus made for us. No amount of law-keeping, religious rituals, or good deeds can make us right with God. Only trusting in Christ brings justification—being declared righteous before God.
So, if God’s grace has us covered, what is our responsibility? I believe we are placed on this earth to serve others, to be strong advocates, to bring all that is good into our community, to love unconditionally. With Paul’s assurance we can serve with joy instead of fear, we can approach our daily tasks with peace instead of panic. We can listen for what we are called to do. We don’t have to prove ourselves—to God or to other people. Christ has already secured our worth. Live each day in that freedom, or as I always say, “Live out loud.” Don’t worry about being good enough. You are MORE than enough. Let Christ shine through you in the ordinary. Our faith isn’t a Sunday ritual; it’s a daily reality. Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever felt you didn’t measure up?
- How can you take that feeling and work to make sure others do not feel that way?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessed assurance that I am justified by faith, not by my works. Live through me today, so my life reflects Your love and grace. Amen.
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