Originally published Tuesday, 09 May 2017.
Hello Beloved! With growing demands, deadlines, and endless responsibilities women, now more than ever, seem to be striving for perfection. Unfortunately, it’s this striving that is leaving us empty, discouraged, and wondering what in the world is wrong with us? In this week’s video we learn how to Gospel of Jesus Christ frees us from perfection. Enjoy!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the perfect work of your Son that frees us from the burden of striving for perfection. May I use my freedom to give you glory. I love You. In Jesus Christ Name I pray. Amen.
Read this Week’s Message
As we continue our study through Galatians today, I want to talk about the importance of knowing God and Him knowing us. When I say “know” I don’t just mean a bunch of head knowledge about God, but I mean “know” as to to know personally and intimately. It’s knowing God in this way that leads to true freedom. Paul further explains this truth in Galatians 4:8-9, which reads:
“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” Galatians 4:8-9 (NIV)
Before the Galatians were saved and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they worshiped other false idols or “weak and miserable forces” as Paul described them. Like many pagans at this time, they worshipped false gods for what they could get from them. Maybe they wanted to manipulate the weather, or control their fertility, or anything they desired. Paul calls this slavery because your worship is always working to get something. Paul compares this false worship to legalism, or the belief that you can work to attain the approval of God. So for the Galatians to rely on their works for their salvation was just as bad as going back to their false idols. It all placed them in slavery.
Grace does not require perfectionCLICK TO TWEET
So Paul reminds them: not only do they know God, but more importantly, God knows them and has already imparted all the righteousness of Jesus Christ on them because of their belief. The Galatians already have what they are tempted to work for. God knows them, and they already have His love, acceptance, and approval. No need to go back into slavery by trying to work for it!
What does this mean for us today? This means we don’t have to make a clean house an idol. We don’t need everyone to like us to be known and loved by God. We don’t need more and more money and stuff in order to experience God’s love and satisfaction. Simply put, we don’t need to be perfect.
With two kids and a growing ministry, I personally need this message more than ever. With a growing pile of endless laundry and more responsibility and demands, I need to know that if it’s not perfect and if I don’t always get it right, I’m still loved, still accepted, and still called. If I don’t grasp this truth like my life depends on it, then pride, self righteousness, guilt, and legalism will destroy me. But every day the gospel sets me free. And every day the gospel sets you free too. This is why Jesus Christ offers true freedom. We don’t have to operate from a place of debt, but from love and acceptance since we are already free and beloved daughters of God.
Without the gospel of Jesus Christ there is no freedom. This is what makes the work of Jesus so unique to any other religion. It’s not our work that saves us; it’s the work of Christ that is finished and complete. It’s not about our wavering love and devotion for God; it’s about His steadfast and unmovable devotion to us.
Now I want to hear from you today, Beloved. Please comment and let me know: what does knowing God mean to you, and how has knowing Him changed your life?
If you enjoyed today’s message be sure to share it with a friend because you never know who might need some Beloved encouragement today. I post new encouragement every week so be sure join Beloved to have my weekly devotion “Hello Beloved!” delivered directly to your inbox. As always, thank you so much for reading and until next time be beautiful, be blessed and beloved.
Love,
Christina
P.S. Registration for the 2017 Beloved Women's Conference is now open! This one day event is filled with dynamic speakers, fun entertainment, breakout sessions and more to help you refresh your soul, enjoy your life, and empower your purpose. Click here to register to receive early bird pricing before this event sells out!
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