You Can’t “Earn This”

Read:

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Think:

"Saving Private Ryan" is a powerful and emotional depiction of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by those who fought in it. The film follows Captain John H. Miller and his unit as they search for the last surviving son of a family who lost all of their other sons in the war. When they finally find Private James Ryan, Miller sacrifices himself to save him and implores him to “earn this” sacrifice. Private Ryan stressed and worried his entire life that he was unworthy and didn’t “earn” what was sacrificed for him.

However, instead of trying to "earn this" impossible command, we can honor the sacrifice of Jesus by recognizing the preciousness of life and living in a way that follows his example. We can make Jesus' sacrifice "worth it" by living a life of love, kindness, and service to others. When we live our lives in such a way that the cross was not wasted on us, we give meaning to our existence and inspire others to do the same. By following in Jesus' footsteps, we can find purpose, hope, and fulfillment in our lives.

Apply:

We have received a gift from God. We can accept and live free or live shackled; we get to choose. We can live worthy of his sacrifice, not earning it because we don’t deserve it. Today make a choice to live life like Jesus. What would Jesus say? What would Jesus do? How would Jesus respond?

Pray:

Jesus, Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for enabling me to live worthy of the calling you have given me. Thank you for the freedom to live according to how you have gifted and purposed me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.