One of the things my parents said to me while I was growing up was, “Don’t ask someone to do something that you can do for yourself.” And with that, they made me learn how to wash and care for my own car, care for the yard, our home, and more.
Today, I am the queen of the DIY (do it yourself!)! I mean, how could I not be, with parents who were all about DIY before it was called DIY! Even little children from an early age start saying, “I’ll do it myself!”
We all want to do things ourselves, because we innately want to be independent. And yet, it is the heart of God that we be totally dependent on Him. But being totally dependent doesn’t mean we don’t have a part to play. We still have to walk in obedience.
So how does all of this come together? How does wanting to do things ourselves but being totally dependent on God work in tandem?
I think Paul gives us a clue. Paul challenges us with a DIY in the Word of God. He says this: “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16)
What Paul was referring to, that we have already attained, is righteousness. The best definition for righteousness is “being made right with God and man”. Because of Jesus and His death on the cross, we have obtained righteousness. When God sees us, He sees the blood of His Son; therefore our position is righteous.
Jesus did His part.
We must do ours.
However, our practice on earth is not. It is THAT to which Paul is exhorting us! Paul is telling us to live up to the righteousness that Jesus died to give us! Be obedient to the Word of God, so that your life represents the righteousness you received.
Right Living Represents the Righteousness You’ve Received
So what must our spiritual DIY project be? Make sure your relationship with God is right, and make sure your relationship with others is right. This is a primary focus for all followers of Jesus: that we might live up to the righteousness that was already attained for us at Calvary.
So as we jump into a new week, let’s make our relationship with God and others a priority in our lives! Jesus made us right with Him, so let's make ourselves right with Him and others! It’s the best DIY there is!!!!
Women!!! Put November 17-18, 2023 on your calendar for our annual Deeper Retreat, here in Birmingham, AL!!! Register or More Info is HERE!!!