Nothing to Gain
We value altruism in others when we see it, Mother Terresa, David Livingstone, Eric Liddell, and Florence Nightingale, to name a few. But rarely do we want to engage in that type of self-sacrifice ourselves. Yet even these undoubtedly good-hearted people had a motive beyond the mere desire to do good. They were motivated by a vision of the future, of entrance into heaven. I’m not saying that they thought their works would get them there, but their works were greatly influenced by their eternal destiny. So, they did in fact have something to gain.
Job’s so-called friend Eliphaz asked an interesting question.
Can a person’s actions be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous? Would it be any gain to him if you were perfect? – Job 22:2-3
No matter how good anyone behaves or thinks, it really is of no benefit to God. He does not need us in any way whatsoever.
Ponder that for a moment. God does not need you. Nothing you could ever do will change that…
The beauty is that he wants you!
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. – Romans 5:8-11
If we accept the offer of life, then he calls us friends. Wow!
Father, thank you for life and friendship that will never end. Thank you for making a way for me to come to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I gain everything! Jan
My Journey in God's Word 