One of the main things our culture – sometimes even our church culture – says to us is to strive for more. 

To be clear, it is a good desire to seek growth and improvement. But when our striving becomes our identity and a means of self-worth and salvation, we become consumed with the way our efforts define us rather than surrendering to God. 

We can not earn the love of God

One of the most significant things God continues to remind me is demonstrated in three short words: “He sat down.” 

“After he (Jesus) had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” – Hebrews 1:3 

“He sat down” is so significant to me because it means I cannot do anything more to earn his love or purification. He provided purification for me, and then he sat down at God’s right hand. It is finished. 

Salvation is paid by the blood of Christ

He justified me and made me right before God, and none of my sin or shortcomings can take that away. Additionally, none of my own personal striving can earn that purification.

Salvation has already been paid for by the blood of Christ.

Whether you are tempted to strive toward perfection to earn God’s favor or you are tempted to believe the lie that your sins are too great to be covered, remember Jesus provided purification for your sins and sat down at the right hand of God. 

There is freedom in Jesus

We are free to work hard for his glory without the standard of perfection. We are forgiven when we fail. 

Let us rejoice in the freedom he provides for us.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Written by Sarah Dyer, stewardship and donor relations coordinator for Buckner International.