We’re Not Worthy!
August 1st, 2008 | David G. Johnson
Today’s message is a guest entry from David G. Johnson, founder of Nourish The Dream
“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” (Colossians 1:12 NKJV)
We’ve been talking about misinterpretations of Scripture that hold us back when we try to achieve something financially or in business. Today I want to bring up something that can be very subtle, and therefore potentially more harmful.
Do you ever feel unworthy of success?
Regardless of your religious upbringing (or lack thereof, as the case may be), we were all born into a system that tends to convey this kind of message to us. We could probably trace it all the way back to Adam — the sense that we just don’t qualify for something good seems almost universal. Perhaps your parents raised you with a performance-oriented mentality. Certainly religious teachings that tell us, “you’re a worm,” or, “you’re just a sinner,” pour fuel onto this fire — even when they add, “saved by Grace,” to the end.
When we come from the perspective that we’re unworthy, going to God to ask for His help in accomplishing something doesn’t tend to yield much fruit. Why? Because we don’t expect Him to actually help us. James refers to this as being, “double-minded,” and says that we’ll be easily moved when circumstances shift.
If you’re feeling unworthy, then allow this truth to connect with your heart. We know that if we’ve entered into relationship with God through His Son, then the sin problem has been dealt with. God know longer sees us as “sinners,” but instead calls us “saints.” We couldn’t have earned that status to begin with… so do we now think we can somehow qualify to keep it? Of course not!
When we rest in the fact that He has qualified us, we can actually, “…come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Take some time today to let this truth to become real to you. You’ll be glad you did!
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August 1st, 2008 at 8:43 am
I am so glad that you have touched on the fact the we are no longer “Worms”. That stems from the false teaching that we are just sinners saved by grace. Well, actually we are new a new creation and we have a new nature. There maybe a hold over of past habit paterns but if you look at 1 Cor: 1:30, Gal:2:20 and many others it is Christ who is our life. We didn’t get ourselves saved and we can’t fix ourselves. Even renewing our minds seems to be Fathers work with our cooperation through obedience. Knowing that Christ is my life and that He lives in me takes the presure off of my proformance. As his son he opens up the doors so I can share this wonderful life and be a blessing to others.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:15 am
Amen! Only Believe! Thanks for the reminder this morning…
August 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
This blog is not only really good, but perfect timing! The Lord has been trying to get this concept through to me for quite some time, and I’ve finally got it! This is such an on-time encouragement and confirmation!
August 1st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Thank God for your blog and this post. There are so many times that I condemn myself for this very same issue. The night before I got your first post on this subject it occurred to me — that I am afraid of success. I spent a few more hours thinking about how ridiculous that sounds, but I’m finally getting to the heart of the matter.
I look fwd to getting your CD series. Looks like a good price and deal. Thank you SO much!
God bless!
August 1st, 2008 at 11:22 pm
While I do agree that we should come before the throne of God with confidence, I disagree with the underlying assumption that our confidence rests in our own worthiness.
We come before the throne of God with confidence, not because WE are worthy, but because HE (Christ) is worthy…because he is just…because he is merciful…and because he never changes.
I am a sinner in desperate need of his continuous grace, and grateful for his continuous supply of it.
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Mr. Johnson: define success. :o)
August 6th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Ryan, that is whole point when we were born-again we died to sin, it is no longer I who lives but Christ in me! If I believe my sin was not completley, totally dealt with when Christ died then I miss the whole point. “I would have perished if I did not believe I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”. The new life we live is now! We do not have to sin anymore because our sin was dealt with, it is no longer master over me. That is not to say I never make a decision to sin but first John say’s it is no longer my nature and when I do sin (a sin-not continual habitual sin) I have an advocate with the Father.
You are right it is not my righteousness, but Christ in me! I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, I am invited to enter bodly because I have humbled myself and acknowledged it is only through Christ Jesus that I am forgiven and literally born-again! Praise God