Made Alive in Christ
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NRSV)
“There are no free lunches!” I often hear this common expression in my daily life. Because I grew up in a merit-based society, I was taught to work for what I want to achieve. Study diligently for good grades, work hard for high wages, and dress to impress were some of the expectations set before me.
Yet our Father in heaven offers a totally different standard. God freely gives us the best gift in this world — God’s Son, Christ Jesus. People like me, and perhaps like you, who were taught to earn and not merely receive, have a tendency to try to earn everything — including our salvation.
We may think that we need to be good, kind, pleasant, and charitable people. Yes, we may be good people according to this world’s standard. But one sin makes us sinners, and so we can never be good enough. Even so, God loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. God gave the one Son to make all of us sons and daughters.
Prayer - Dear God, thank you for your grace that saves us. As we freely receive it, help us freely give by praying for and serving others. Amen.
Prayer focus - Workaholics - no time for God and family
