Not By OUR WORKS!

“For it is by grace that you were saved through faith, it is not ourselves, it is the gift of God, not by our works, so we shall not boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

In my early years, particularly during kindergarten, I vividly remember the joy and pride that came with receiving gold star stickers for the tasks I completed. These little tokens of achievement were meant to encourage and motivate us as young learners. However, while the intentions behind this practice were undoubtedly good and aimed at fostering a sense of accomplishment, it inadvertently instilled in me the belief that my worth was directly tied to my ability to perform well and produce good work. This early reinforcement of achievement as a measure of value became a foundational aspect of my understanding of self-worth.

As I grew older, this notion only deepened, as I realized that in our society, there is a pervasive expectation that we are defined by our accomplishments and productivity. It has become almost second nature for us to inquire about a new acquaintance's profession or career path as a way to gauge their identity and value. The question, "What do you do for a living?" often serves as an entry point into deeper conversations, but it also reflects a societal tendency to equate a person's worth with their vocational achievements. This quest for validation and a sense of worthiness often extends beyond professional life; it encompasses how we treat others, how we treat ourselves, the frequency of our vacations, and even the various acts of service we perform for our communities or spiritual endeavors.

However, it is crucial to recognize that we are not defined by the mistakes we have made or the successes we have achieved. While it is easy to fall into the trap of allowing our works to dictate our identity, this perspective is fundamentally flawed and far from the truth of our existence. My personal journey toward understanding this truth has been a challenging one. It took considerable time and introspection for me to unlearn the deeply ingrained belief that my identity was tied to my works. Instead, I have come to embrace the profound realization that I am defined not by my actions, but by His grace. It is through this grace that I find my true identity and worth. I am reminded that my value is not based on my efforts, but rather on the unconditional love and sacrifice of my Father.

Our faith in Him grants us access to this incredible gift of grace, which is freely given and not contingent upon our deeds or accomplishments. His works, which are inherently good, are what ultimately define us. This understanding brings a sense of peace and liberation, allowing us to let go of the burdens of performance and comparison. I find myself filled with gratitude as I reflect on the magnitude of this gift. Father, thank you so much for offering us this precious gift of grace! Thank you for defining me by your works and not my own! Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made by choosing to die on the cross so that I can have access to this extraordinary gift! Your everlasting love and grace are beyond measure, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for your goodness and mercy in my life. Thank you, Lord, for your unwavering support and love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.