For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:9).

Because we would.

Boast, that is.

I mean, I have been known to open a jar for my wife and then claim credit for “making dinner.”

When we apply that concept to our spiritual life, we find that it’s a very small step from, “GOD + me” to works-based religiosity, name-it-claim-it theology, self image issues, legalism, and Towers of Babel in your backyard.

No, those aren’t cell phone towers.

Anyway, God, in his infinite wisdom, made it very clear that our salvation is absolutely NOT up to us.

That’s freeing…aaaand a little frustrating,

and perfectly, thoroughly as it should be.

It’s for you, Beloved, but it’s not up to you.

Happy Thursday