Ephesians 2:1-10

Have you ever felt inadequate? Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you tried, you could never measure up to current expectations? You could never meet the standard? I know I sure have. It’s a feeling most unsettling. It feels like every move you make is dripping in utter disappointment. And you start to view yourself as a failure. You begin to think “Why would God love me? Can’t He see what I’ve done? It’s hopeless. I’m hopeless.” And you  know what? You’re right. On your own, you can’t do anything. 

But that’s the beauty of grace! It doesn’t matter that we aren’t perfect! God’s grace isn’t dependent upon what we do or what we don’t do. The whole beginning of the 2nd chapter of Ephesians is about us being dead and full of sin, but that while we were still dead, He gave us life! Look at verse 5: “It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved.” Yes, God knows who you are and who’ve you been. He knows ALL of the things that you’ve done and ever will do. YET HE STILL LOVES YOU!!! His love never changes. 

Paul goes further to say in verses 8-9: “God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast.” Hmmm...See? You can’t do anything. Your salvation isn’t a result of how good you are or how many times you pray or how you helped that old lady across the street. God gives His grace freely, unrestricted.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of Christianity. It’s so easy to get distracted and eventually fall into the mentality of “grace by works.” Think about the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10). Martha was so concerned with the details that she missed out on the relationship with Jesus. Don’t you see? God doesn’t want you to follow a list of things that you “have” do to for Him because it’s not about your good works; He wants to have a relationship with you. He is after your heart. 

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece.” You are valuable! God favors you!! He delights in you! And He wants to pour into your life and satisfy your every desire. Abide in His presence and let Him show you Who He really is! This life is not about us. It’s not about what we can get out of God. It’s about God’s uninhibited grace and extravagant love! It’s only through the grace and love of God that we find our worth.