Ephesians 2:8-10 has been a verse that’s been on my mind for the past few days.
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,that we should walk in them.
Salvation is not by works. If it was, then those who are saved would get the glory. Salvation is not based on works, but the good works Christians do are the result and consequence of God’s new creation work. (from the notes in ESV study bible)
God has given the greatest gift of all. There is nothing that we can do to earn it. We don’t deserve it. God’s saving gift is free. Yet, too many times we try “work” to receive it.
I hate when people talk bad about me. I am by nature a people pleaser, and if I can make everybody happy, then that’s what I intend to do. In almost 27 years of life, by the grace of God, I have gotten progressively better in this area. But still, when other people are happy, I’m happy. And when people talk bad about me, it still hurts sometimes.
I was in Ecclesiastes a couple of days ago, and this verse has stuck in my head.
7:21
Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
DANG!!! I know I’ve talked some crap about people more than I would like to remember, yet I still get upset when people have negative things to say about me behind my back. I get defensive, prideful, and angry. So thanks for the good words of wisdom Solomon.
