The Christian life is just that—a life, not simply a set of rules. Sadly, some believers see our faith only as a list of dos and don’ts. They reduce it to a kind of cold mathematical formula: Jesus’ saving grace plus good deeds minus bad deeds equals righteousness.
But this runs counter to Scripture. Jesus not only condemned the Pharisees’ heavy-handed religion; He also offered liberty through grace (Matt. 23:1-4; John 8:36). Neither keeping God’s law by self-effort nor adhering to extra rules makes us free.
By accepting the saving grace of Jesus, a person receives a new life and is utterly changed. (See Rom. 6:4.) The mind and heart are transformed, and Christ lives through the new believer. God’s Holy Spirit flows into him or her just as sap runs in a vine. Then strength fills places where weakness once prevailed.
It’s important to realize that only works done through the Holy Spirit have lasting spiritual value. So why rely on ourselves when He will supply the courage and power to accomplish kingdom goals? Besides, trying to do good in our own strength might be well-intentioned but can lead to extreme burnout. Instead of relying on yourself, surrender to the Lord. Jesus is your life. Depend upon Him to change you from the inside out, and trust that He will.
Bible in One Year: Micah 5-7
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