Some people would rather earn their salvation than be given it.

You hear them say, “I don’t think I deserve anything I didn’t earn. I make sure I work for everything that is mine. I don’t want to owe anyone anything!”

Although that seems very noble and honorable, at the root of it is the spirit of the Devil! That person does not want to give up the control of his/her life. How so? Because if grace is something that we earn, we have control over how much we should do for God. However, if grace is given and not earned, then we have no control over how much we should do for God.

For example, if you hired a handyman for pay, you can order him around. He is under you. But if the master architect who built and owns your house comes over, you can’t order him around. You are under Him.

The spirit that belongs to the devils says, “I don’t want to owe anyone anything. I am independent and free. I come and go as I please!”

The spirit that belongs to God says, “I owe God everything. I know I can never repay. I belong to God. I belong to His people. I will give myself to them!”

You may think the spirit that belongs to the devil is the happier one. But that’s an illusion. It is the spirit that chooses to give himself sacrificially to others that finds true freedom and joy. Think about a man who changes his wife like we change engine oil – when she gets old, he gets a new one. And then think about a man devoted to one woman, loving, cherishing, growing together with her. Who’s more free? Who’s more joyful?

God’s ways often seem more oppressive, boring, and dull. The world’s ways seem more free, exciting and novel. But the truth is exactly the opposite. Have you experienced it?

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” Galatians 1:6

PH