What We Deserve

1 Cor. 3:14 talks about how we as followers are to build on the foundation that has already been laid by Christ Jesus, His grace. We are the temple being build on top of the foundation of Christs' grace. I think that people believe when they do a good deed or something that is Christ-like, that they deserve their reward right away. I honestly do not think that way, at least anymore. I don't really remember thinking like I deserved a reward for helping a neighbor or doing a good deed, but I'm sure I have without even knowing it. But now, I have a mindset of thinking that God deserves everything and I deserve nothing. I'm only doing what He calls me to do for the His glory. I understand somewhat of how mighty and powerful God is and that I just know He will give unto me that which I deserve, whether it be something little, big, or even nothing at all and I know His timing is the best. For a lot of new followers this is something hard to comprehend at first; the fact that God is all-powerful and we can have a love for Him as where we just want to do good for His glory instead of having to do good for Him. We will be willing and wanting to put our lives out there for His glory and when we do, He recognizes that. This kind of willingness takes time, patience, practice and experience. We may fall down a thousand times but we always need to get back up, and God is there to lend His right hand. A relationship with Jesus doesn't just happen all at once. It is a continual battle between the devil and ourselves. Jesus Christ will always be there waiting for us to give up the worldly things for Him and the eternal life he offers, but we often fall to satan's ways. That is the reason why it takes us so long to have a strong relationship with God to where we put our trust in Him and leave the tempting but fun and exciting sin behind us. Those things do not offer eternal love, grace, happiness, and life. They only offer happiness and satisfaction at the moment we partake in them. God tests our faith to make us see where we are weak in our walk with Him. He does that to make us stronger in our faith and to help us notice the worldly sins that tempt us; then our faith will be stronger and we will know exactly what is the right and faithful decision to turn to. That is something that I've learned over this past year in college. Since I've moved home it has been easy to not want to go out and party but now that school is ending soon and there are big parties going on this weekend I'm extremely tempted to join in the fun. Yes, I did say fun because they are fun to go to and participate in, but they are also against what God wants for me. Luckily I made a few friends that don't do those things and they invited me to go hang out with them the day the party is going on. God knew I needed something to help me make the decision a little easier because honestly, if those girls didn't invite me to come hang out I most likely would have went to that party just because I haven't seen a lot of the people that will be attending it and I know it would have been really fun. I'm thankful for God to have my back on things. He knows what to do all the time and does it at the perfect timing. Something to remember is the long term benefits of each decision. For the party I would only have that one night of fun and friendship but hanging out with the girls will allow me to continue building a friendship with them. I'm always in need of that reminder and in need of pray for tempting situations.

3 comments

Share: