In June 2014, Hunter Gandee strapped his 7-year-old brother Braden on his back and walked 40 miles. The duo faced the energy-sapping trio of heat, rain, and muscle fatigue. So why take the grueling trek? Fourteen-year-old Hunter wanted to raise awareness of cerebral palsy by doing that they called the Cerebral Palsy Swagger. Due to the effects of the muscular malady, young Braden can’t walk without assistance.
At the 30-mile mark, the two guys had lost a bit of their swag—they were exhausted and ready to quit. But they credit prayer as one of the things that helped them reach their goal. Hunter carried his 50-pound brother the entire way, completing the “Swagger.”
The apostle Paul didn’t show any swag when he simply declared to Peter and the churches of Galatia the message that Jesus alone has carried us from death to life (Galatians 1:2, 2:11,16). A group known as the Judaizers influenced Peter to go along with their false message that one needed to be circumcised “to be made right with God” Galatians 2:17). Paul knew that the power of the law was to condemn, not to save. So he plainly stated that it is by God’s grace and our faith in Jesus that we receive salvation from sin and death (Galatians 2:20-21; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Perhaps, like me, you sometimes forget that doing good things can’t make us right with God. It can be easy to become performance oriented, striving to do so that God will love us more or accept us. Paul tells us, however, that when we trust in Jesus for our salvation, our old self and ways are crucified with Him. The good we do is to His glory, powered by the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Galatians 5:13-26).
Jesus does the work. He carries us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Philippians 2:1-18
More:
Read Romans 6:1-14 and consider what it means to have new life in Christ.
Next:
Why is it important for you to know that Jesus “carried” you and that you can’t earn salvation? What can inspire you to do good deeds for the right reasons?
Gary Shultz on December 3, 2015 at 7:07 am
Stated properly; however, the myth of earning favor and earning salvation is still very much alive. To be sure God wants everyone spared from eternal punishment, but I am still stunned that people think they can set their rules to get to His heaven. What a rude finger to point at God after He allowed the most prominent figure in His heaven to pay for our sins opening that way of humble acceptance, the gift of Jesus. Well you know all of this stuff, but my head still spins at folks presumption of their ideals without considering what God has said or done for them. To be sure the only true works of worth come from God’s hand to us anyway, so it will be to His glory and how else could the math done. Thanks and may you & yours have a splendid Christmas.
Tom Felten on December 3, 2015 at 8:23 am
Gary, it can be so easy for any of us to do good things our of guilt or trying to please/appease God. Instead, it’s so much better when the good things pour out of us naturally as the Spirit leads us and love for Jesus moves us!
jim spillane on December 3, 2015 at 11:25 am
Gary – I’m in full agreement with you on this. One cannot set their own rules, or find their own way to heaven. If these people would just take the time to read the Word of God, they would certainly discover the proper road to take. Perhaps it’s the sin of pride that keeps them from doing so?
Mike Wittmer on December 3, 2015 at 7:48 am
I know we don’t have to do this, but the truth of this devotional is why I enjoy taking a Sabbath rest. It’s a weekly reminder that Jesus carries me. He’s got this, and I can rest in Him. Thank you for reminding me of this truth as I start my day!
Tom Felten on December 3, 2015 at 8:24 am
Mike, what a great way to spend some time enjoying God and His good gifts! Thanks for sharing this good idea—especially as we enter what can be a very busy month for all of us.
aljan09 on December 3, 2015 at 10:06 am
Amen!!!
gary1schelvan on December 6, 2015 at 8:23 am
Hello Brother Tom,
Gary Schelvan here in Tianjin, China and I just read your great posting. It struck a chord deep in me because so much of my life I spent trying to be “good” and do “good” for all the wrong reasons. After I really gave up trying to do life all on my own terms and self reliance, I found myself still trying to do “good” things to please God, get in good with Him, partly I think to make up for all of the bad I had done in my life. I now realize that by my putting my relationship with Jesus Christ first above all else, from that good will naturally flow out to others, freeing me to be “as Jesus” to all I come into interaction with daily. So Hallelujah! Jesus, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the supreme sacrifice you made for me, mercy and grace, what a gift.
Tom, wherever you are in America, be safe and strong in an unstable world. God bless you, and a Joyous and Blessed CHRISTmas to you and your family….Gary S.
Tom Felten on December 6, 2015 at 8:47 am
Thanks for sharing, Gary! Isn’t it good to rest in God’s grace, and simply do good as the Holy Spirit draws it out from the righteousness we have in Jesus? Thanks so much for sharing, brother.