Faith, Works And God’s Abundant GraceSample

Keep Jesus in Sight  

When Jesus was about 12 years old, He went to the temple in Jerusalem with His family. But on the way back, Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus was missing. They had to return to Jerusalem and search for 3 days before they found Jesus sitting with the teachers in the temple.

If you’ve been blessed to have an ongoing relationship with Jesus, you must keep in mind that it doesn’t take much to lose sight of Him. One wrong relationship, one decision to sin, a tiny compromise – that’s all it takes.

When Mary approached Jesus and told Him how worried they were, Jesus counters with another question. “Why were you looking for me?” This is one question we must ponder for ourselves too.

Have you put yourself in a place where you do everything right, but you’ve lost Jesus along the way? Do you have a lot of Christianity in your life, but no Christ? Are you so focused on ministry and serving, that you’ve lost sight of Jesus? Imagine God asking you a similar question, “Why are you searching for me? Why did you lose me in the first place?”

We lose Christ when we perform works of righteousness but have no faith. It’s easy to go about the motions of being a Christian, without a heart that truly trusts in Jesus. 

Righteousness (right actions) without faith breeds lifeless legalisms and rules. We end up with religion without spirituality, discipline based on rules and regulations without an intimate relationship with God. It harbors the false notion God’s blessing is depended on how much work we put in. It limits God to one’s own capacity to perform.

Instead, if we focus on building our relationship with Christ, the righteousness that comes as a result of our faith is pleasing to God. God promises that those who seek Him wholeheartedly will find Him. But often we’re seeking blessings, answers, miracles and righteousness, instead of seeking Christ. 

God is willing to show you His plans for your life, but you need to seek Him will all your heart… not some of your heart. Approach God with a desperate heart, seek His presence and you will receive an abundance of His glory and grace in your life.