Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began (2 Tim. 1:8-9).

The Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” can become a substitute for the gospel in hearts accustomed to exchanging performance for reward.

We can even adopt the perspective that being a Christian simply means Just Do More to please God rather than other people. But how do you measure more? How much more will ever be enough to please a perfect God?

The answer, of course, is there will never be enough “more” in our performance to qualify us for an infinitely holy God’s approval. We simply cannot lift ourselves to heaven.

Instead, the gospel assures us of that the infinitely holy and able God lifts us to himself “because of his own purpose and grace.”

Such “lifting love” so lifts our hearts that we become zealous for our Savior. We want to please him. We are even willing to suffer for the One who gave us a holy calling before the ages began.

He loved us before we could qualify for his care, called us to his work before we knew him, and empowers us by amazing grace for heaven’s purposes that will endure long after this world is done.   

Prayer:
Lord, you saved me, not because of my works but through your grace. Help me to be gripped by an empowering love for the eternal purposes of this gospel, even if I must suffer for its truth on earth.