More Than a Good Reputation
“But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name.” – John 1:12
Some people just look the part. You know who I mean. The ones who are always upbeat, always quoting Scripture, always volunteering at church, and never seem to break a sweat. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. We need examples of joy and faithfulness. But we also need to remember something vital. God doesn’t grade on appearance, behavior, or reputation. He looks at the heart.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were the original “Super-Christians.” They had the titles, the training, the routines, and the rules. If anyone looked like they had it all together, it was them. But when Jesus looked at them, He didn’t see righteousness. He saw distance. They were doing all the right things, but they were doing it for the wrong reasons. They were trying to earn something God never asked them to earn.
Jesus didn’t come to hand out gold stars for good behavior. He came to offer a new kind of righteousness. One that couldn’t be earned by checking boxes or impressing people. It’s the kind of righteousness that starts with a relationship, not a resume. He fulfilled every command, every prophecy, and every part of the Law so that you could receive His grace. Not earn it. Receive it.
That means no matter how messy your life has been, or how many times you’ve failed, or how little you feel like you measure up, you still have access to the same righteousness as the most polished believer you know. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and Jesus offers the same gift to all who believe.
Maybe today is the day you stop trying to look the part and finally receive what Jesus came to give. A new name. A clean slate. And the right to be called a child of God. That’s not something you earn. That’s something you believe.
Some people just look the part. You know who I mean. The ones who are always upbeat, always quoting Scripture, always volunteering at church, and never seem to break a sweat. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. We need examples of joy and faithfulness. But we also need to remember something vital. God doesn’t grade on appearance, behavior, or reputation. He looks at the heart.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were the original “Super-Christians.” They had the titles, the training, the routines, and the rules. If anyone looked like they had it all together, it was them. But when Jesus looked at them, He didn’t see righteousness. He saw distance. They were doing all the right things, but they were doing it for the wrong reasons. They were trying to earn something God never asked them to earn.
Jesus didn’t come to hand out gold stars for good behavior. He came to offer a new kind of righteousness. One that couldn’t be earned by checking boxes or impressing people. It’s the kind of righteousness that starts with a relationship, not a resume. He fulfilled every command, every prophecy, and every part of the Law so that you could receive His grace. Not earn it. Receive it.
That means no matter how messy your life has been, or how many times you’ve failed, or how little you feel like you measure up, you still have access to the same righteousness as the most polished believer you know. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and Jesus offers the same gift to all who believe.
Maybe today is the day you stop trying to look the part and finally receive what Jesus came to give. A new name. A clean slate. And the right to be called a child of God. That’s not something you earn. That’s something you believe.
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