At one point in my life, I held down three jobs, cared for an aging parent, and took naps in my car to save money on gas. Eventually, my three jobs were wheedled down to one with paid overtime and I took full advantage. I used the money to buy window treatments, ceiling fans and a washer and dryer. I made the choices to work hard and reap the rewards.
But salvation is different.
It has taken me a long time to get out of performance mode with God. I used to feel like I had been invited to honor the King like the little boy in the song, “The Little Drummer Boy,” except I was a young girl with a scratch pad and a pen. But then I realized that I can’t outperform God or pay Him back for what He’s given me. He asked one thing of me. Consider this:
- After hearing that His cousin John had been beheaded, Jesus retreated to be alone, but instead ended up feeding the five thousand who followed Him (Matthew 14:1-21).
- He taught the disciples to not be afraid of the storm, and invited Peter to walk on water towards Him (Matthew 14:22-33).
- He crossed the lake and healed all who came and touched even the fringe of His robe (Matthew 14:34-36)
- He was quizzed by the religious experts and then did a teaching to the masses based on their questions (Matthew 15:1-20)
- He healed a begging woman’s daughter, traveled back to Galilee and healed many more (Matthew 15:29-31)
- He fed another four thousand (Matthew 15:32-39)
- He was tested by the religious leaders again, and then taught His own disciples about receiving false doctrine (Matthew 16:1-12).
Then He settled in to ask the question, “Who do you say that I am?”
Salvation is free. You can’t earn it. You can’t pay for it. You make one choice and respond accordingly.
He asked me that question once long ago. I made my choice and responded accordingly: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that the Bible is true (John 10:30; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:18; Acts 3:13-15). Now, I am learning to be grateful, and to use my scratch pad and pen to the glory of God.