​Romans 4:2-5 AMP

2 For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God! 

3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). [Gen. 15:6.]

4 Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him). 

5 But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).

Today is an unusually long passage of scripture but I felt a need to show you a few principles that will help you in your daily walk with God.

First, scripture tells us that we have a right to boast if our salvation comes from our works.  Well, we all know that our salvation comes from God yet we act as if it didn’t. We think it’s because of our great decisions and the works we have done forgetting it’s God who gave us the ability to do what we do to get what we have.  This prideful nature is what causes us to look down on others rather than reach out to them in love forgetting where we came from.

The scripture further tells us that it’s only when we TRUST God to do the work through us that a deposit is made into our accounts. How many of us are doing works but still spiritually bankrupt? It’s because we are doing it in ourselves and not unto God. Ask yourself why do you do what you do and that will explain the balance in your account of righteousness. God only deposits when we TRUST him. 

Verse 4 tells us that God does not want any of our works to be out of obligation but out of love.  Many of our prayers are simply invoices to God for the things we think he owes us for the works we have done rather than expressions of gratitude for what God has done for us. We often feel entitled because we go to church, sing in the choir, or preach in the pulpit. However, that’s all done in vain if we do it without God.  

I challenge you today to trust God in all your ways so your spiritual account is overflowing.  Don’t forget if it had not been for God on your side where you would be. Put the degree down, look past your position, your past successes and look up to God the author and finisher of your faith. At the end of the day faith is what pleases God and only what we do for Christ will last! 

LET’S LIVE ABUNDANTLY,

LORENZO JANUARY