Are You Good Enough?

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ " Matthew 7:22-23

       Do you think that you are good enough to get into heaven? Perhaps you think because you don't murder or commit adultery or steal that you are not bad enough to go to hell. Maybe you think because you give to the poor or rescue abandon dogs or give money to charity that you are safe. You think your good deeds outweigh your bad ones and so the scales are tipped in your favor. We see here in Matthew chapter 7 that this is not the case! Jesus himself said there will be many who drove out demons, prophesied (preached the bible), and did many miracles who will be rejected at the gates of heaven. Why, you ask? Why would a good God turn away those who did good things in His name? The answer is because they were trusting in their own good deeds instead of the saving power of the blood of Jesus. Let me say this loud and clear - YOUR GOOD DEEDS CANNOT OUT WEIGHT YOUR BAD. Yes it's human nature to want to "make up" for our mistakes but this does not work with Jesus. Here, when the many are trying to justify themselves by their works He makes it very clear that is not what He is looking for. So what is He looking for?

     He goes on to say "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on a rock." (vs.24) He also says in Matthew 9:13 "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." And again in Psalm 51:17 that He will not reject a broken and contrite heart.

     Jesus is not looking for the "elite" of the world to do His work. He does not need your strength or wisdom or skill or talent. He has all that Himself and more. He is seeking those hearts that are broken and can be worked with. Have you ever tried to mold a big ball of hardened clay? It doesn't work. But break that clay into pieces and soften it with water and then you can create something beautiful.

     Don't be like the many who justified themselves by their own actions. Be like the man who wouldn't even lift his eyes up to the altar and cried out "Forgive me God! I am a sinner!" 🧡💚💙💜🖤❤️