Effortless

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Luke 10:25 (NIV)

One of the errors that prevents us from actively enjoying God's grace and fully receiving His salvation is our belief that we must do something to merit this grace and salvation. It is good to recognize that we cannot obtain these gifts from God without effort, but believing that we must do something to legitimately receive them is even worse. The effort God requires of us is our faith in His Son.

Although Jesus knew that this lawyer was setting a trap for Him, His response was not indifferent. He told him exactly what the Law of Moses prescribed. Jesus made sure to make him say exactly what the Law prescribed: "Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind." This is what the Law prescribes. Although the Law requires total obedience to gain God's attention, obedience was not enough. One had to love God as much as one could obey His Word.

In Jesus Christ, God proved to all humanity that no amount of effort could save them from His wrath and the punishment that awaited them. It took an action on His part, a sacrifice, to make their salvation possible. When you do something for God, don't do it to deserve anything from Him; but do it out of love for Him and gratitude for this free and wonderful gift He has given you in Jesus Christ, His Son.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.