Stuck in the Muck of Works

Even with extreme effort, learning to depend on God’s mercy is difficult—especially for we who have been raised in the doctrine of works and have been told to look to the law and our own efforts. Moreover, our nature leans toward doing works. We are so rooted in our habits, and our hearts are so used to it, that we can’t stop thinking this way: “If I have lived a holy life and done great and many works, then God will be merciful to me.”

So we struggle against both our nature and our ingrained habits. It’s extraordinarily difficult to change our thinking and clearly distinguish between faith and love. Even if we already have faith, the mud still sticks and clings to us. We keep wanting to brag, “I have preached so long, have lived so well, and have done so much. Surely God will take note of that.” We want to bargain with God. We want him to look at our lives and change the judgment seat into the mercy seat because of what we have done. But nothing will come of this. You may be able to tell other people, “I have tried to do good to everyone. Where I have fallen short, I will try to make it up.” But when you come before God, leave such bragging at home.

Remember that you are appealing for grace, not justice. Let anyone try this. They will see how difficult and troublesome it is. Those who have been stuck in their own works their whole lives find it difficult to pull themselves out and let themselves be lifted by faith.

Source: Quoted in Faith Alone: A Daily Devotional (p. 211).  James C. Galvin. Zondervan (2009).