What Can I Do?

 These days it seems like everyone is working an angle. Like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, even when charity is accomplished, the motive is often for some outward reward (Mt. 6:2). There is a challenge to our perception however, because much good is accomplished in secret (Mt.6:3), and with no expectation of equal reimbursement. 


Malcolm Forbes famously observed that “you can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do absolutely nothing for him.” 


The sacrifice of Jesus is the chief example of this sentiment. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We were “without strength” (vs 6), utterly helpless and lost in the fog of sin. We had severed our relationship with God by open rebellion against His will, and yet He sent His Son to bear the penalty of our error. 


Of course, there is nothing we could possibly do for God that would equal the matchless blessings He graciously bestows upon us. In response to God’s concern for mankind, David penned “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit Him?” (Ps. 8:4). 


We can never repay God for what He has done for us- no matter how righteous we are, how much we pray or how loudly we sing His praises. What is so special about God’s gift of salvation through Jesus is that it came at such a cost, and for people who can give so little. But we can give ourselves- and that’s all God wants. 


“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart- These You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17).


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