Trading Better for Broken

He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6

When my mind whispers, Do better, the Word of God speaks louder. In the Word, I see the great gospel paradox that I can never do enough to earn God’s acceptance, but I’m completely accepted because of Jesus. The gospel is a hammer that mercifully shatters my “do better” mentality over and over again.

This supernatural idea produces such simple, practical results in my heart. The gospel means:

• I’m broken, unable to do enough to try to make myself whole. This allows me to stop trying to fix myself and to ask Jesus to fix what is broken in me.

• I’m fully accepted by God, apart from my effort. It’s Jesus who saves.

• I can stop trying to fight my sin on my own. Instead, I can have confidence that Jesus is making me perfect in His perfect timing.

The gospel is an invitation to stop trying to be better versions of ourselves. Instead, we’re invited to trust Jesus to make us more like the best of the best, Himself.