Be Justified By Jesus

So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24

Righteousness does not come by the keeping of rules and laws. Only two things come from my solitary pursuit of righteousness: pride and shame. I am simply unable to keep a perfect record. When I do well, I’m so pleased with myself. When I do wrong, I fall into hopelessness. This self-centered view of what I can or cannot accomplish eclipses my faith in the finished work of Jesus. 

What if my husband plans for us the vacation of a lifetime and assures me that he has packed and prepared all the essentials. All he asks of me is a response: Yes, let’s go! I love you! I put up a finger and ask him to wait. I turn back to clean the house and continue to attend to matters I deem important. I sift through items I want or that he may have missed. He waits for me, deflated. He sees that I don’t fully trust him. He has provided the greatest gift, but I remain sidetracked, refusing to let go into his loving care.

There was a time I would defend my actions in that scenario. I would counter that, yes, I have every right to attend to my own fears and concerns. And yes, that is the choice. Do I want to go with Jesus or turn back? Jesus has justified me before God. He stands before me with His hand out. To turn back is to choose self alone and there is no way for me to earn what He is offering. Some don’t believe He is The Way. Some acknowledge His gift but carry on with their own plans. Don’t return to drudgery as freedom awaits. Grab His hand and go!

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.  Luke 18:13-14