You Don't Have What It Takes

I remember as a boy being nervous about trying out for the football team. I was in the eighth grade at the time, attending school at Canton Junior High. Since the games for eighth graders were on Wednesdays when we had church, my dad wouldn't let me play for the eight grade team. So, I tried out for the ninth grade team. I wasn't the only one. There were a couple of us that were put thru the ropes that day. Fortunately, I made the cut, but several of the other guys didn't. They just didn't have what it takes. Have you ever been in a situation like that? Have you ever faced a circumstance in your life where no matter how hard you try, you just don't have what it takes to resolve the situation? I'm sure we all have had experiences like that. In fact, although some of us won't admit it, we have exactly that same problem when it comes to living "a good Christian life". You don't have what it takes. I don't have what it takes. On my best days I fall so miserably short of God's standard. I try to fake it sometimes, you know? I act like I've got it all together with this "Christian thing". And I keep up the persona expected of a pastor. But I'm really full of bull when I do that. And the thing is, we don't have to fake it. God knew full well that we didn't have what it takes to have a relationship with Him. That's why He sent Jesus to die on the cross, pay the penalty for our sin, rise again, and give us the gift of eternal life. He had what it takes. And He gave us what it takes. Man, that's so liberating when we believe it, accept it, and live in His grace. You don't have what it takes, but Jesus does. Let that soak in for a little while.

Posted in: Discipleship