THERE’S NOTHING TO PROVE 

These day’s most of us feel the pressure to perform, achieve or accomplish. And in today’s world, that’s what most of us constantly feel we have to do.

Just think of the amount of times on the job, or among friends, or even at home with the family, the ways you always seem to be working to win the approval you feel need from others.

During the working day, you strive to convince those around you that you are worthy of a look in at a promotion, or you are deserving of the salary they pay you. Then at times you work harder, and longer without pay, just to gain that little more recognition you know you deserve or have earned.

And it doesn’t stop there. You work just as hard in your friendships, your relationships and your marriage. Yet so often, you feel you’re in a one-way street, always giving, yet rarely receiving the recognition you know you deserve.

Is there a way out of this lop-sided merry-go-round? There is. It’s called grace. And grace can be best described as “unearned and undeserved favour” from God. Favour is also another way of God letting us know we have His acceptance – in His eyes.

Does that mean that God takes enough of a personal interest in us that He is willing to favour who we are and what we do even though we haven’t earned it, and are not deserving of it either? Yes it does. Moreover, he has accepted us for who we are and what we’ve done (and keep on doing), despite the fact that we’re a long way from being perfect. Yet all you have to do is believe it, because it’s true – it’s all true.

That’s the bigness of the heart of God. It’s also as good a picture as we can paint to show how much God cares for each of us.

Remember the father in the story of the prodigal son . . . “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet….For this my son…was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:21-22, 24)

There you have it, for there’s no better picture of God’s grace and love towards us in action. So the next time you catch yourself struggling to make up to God for something you’ve done wrong, stop for a moment and recall the story of the prodigal son

Let it act as a reminder, that in spite of your sins, your Heavenly Father receives you with open arms. And if you feel unworthy of all that, you’ve really missed how great God’s love is towards you.

God doesn’t base His relationship with you on your worthiness. If He did, there most probably wouldn’t be a relationship. No, He simply bases it on His love for you. And He has loved you longer and with far greater depth than you could ever give or repay.

But the best part is, you don’t have to struggle to prove yourself to Him, because in His eyes, you’re already a proven success.

With God, there’s really nothing to prove. Remember that.