The Quest for Worthiness

It’s probably safe to say most of us want to feel deserving. It’s one reason people work hard for what they get. Nothing wrong with hard work, until it turns into striving to be worthy. Where people get it wrong is when they lose sight of how they are to work. More pointedly, for Whom they work. Why do you do what you do?

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

 Being driven is much different from being led. One way to determine whether you’re doing things as to the Lord versus people, or yourself for that matter, is the driven/led principle. In this context, driven is an unhealthy obsession, in which stress is involved. Additionally, pride and people-pleasing join in the fray. Pride seeks affirmation. All of this indicates a disconnect with one’s identity in Jesus Christ. The more individuals know who they are in Him, the less need they have for approval from others.

Those who crave that approval are more easily manipulated. They find it very difficult to say no when they know full well, they should. It’s a form of bondage that wears people out. The reason some burnout in ministry is because of doing things God has not called them to do. They say yes before praying, and find themselves wishing they didn’t. Sure, they don’t want to let people down. However, in some cases, the pat on the back that comes with the yes has more significance. Here’s the question: do they say yes, because they don’t want disappoint another, or is it because they’re afraid of missing the pat on the back? It’s not exactly altruistic to do things for others to gain their gratitude or affection. Of course, they may fear of rejection.

Another quandary is seeking God’s affection. Why do people seek His love when they already have it? You cannot earn His love.

How to Fall From Grace

We know, by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace and faith in Jesus Christ alone make us worthy. There’s nothing we can do to make it so. This is Christianity 101; nevertheless, some get bamboozled into self-righteousness. One of the tricksters is the emotions, which compels them to do things to feel worthy. Class, we need to pay more attention. It is the righteousness of Jesus that makes us righteousness; not our feelings of worthiness.

When anyone tries to make himself righteous by his deeds, he falls from grace (read the book of Galatians). He is no longer walking by faith; but by works. No one’s works are ever good enough to make one right in the sight of God.

Being Led

Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Being led of Holy Spirit is the result of the relationship with God. There is no bondage attached to it, because there is no fear involved. Only love! Love has no strings attached; it cannot be earned. Faith works by love, and perfect love casts out fear (see Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:18). When Holy Spirit leads us, His grace empowers us to fulfill the mission. Burnout has no place in grace.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

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