Lent.

But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. (Romans 4:5)

It seems we often want a checklist or instructions for salvation. In America, where we like to believe hard work yields achievement, perhaps this is understandable. However, this verse from Romans states that those without works who trust in God are counted as righteous.

This statement is echoed in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which states, “Faith is the only response necessary for salvation.”

I often think Christianity is more simple than we try to make it, but simple does not equal easy. For example, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all reference Jesus saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” This statement is followed by “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Simple? Yes. Easy? Not really.

Trust in God. It’s a simple statement—just three words. Why is it so hard?  

I think it’s hard because we have to acknowledge that we are not in control. It’s hard because it is something bestowed upon us, not something we earn. As stated in Romans 4:4, “Now to one who works, wages are not received as a gift but as something due.” We all acknowledge we are not worthy of God’s righteousness, yet He gives it anyway if we trust in Him. Thanks be to God.

Let us pray.

God, we thank you that your righteousness does not depend on our good works.  When we are tempted by self-reliance, or begin to think that we can somehow earn your grace, help us instead to put our trust in you. Amen.

This devotional was written by Kathryn King and read by Julie George.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.