THE DEBT I THINK I OWE

Introduction

Beholden. Such a heavy, burdensome, daunting word and usually these are the feelings associated with “being in debt” to another. We tend to have difficulty accepting help or care from others as a simple gift of love. And if we accept the help, shortly after our need has been met, we tend to retreat. Maybe we retreat because we’re programmed to believe that our need is a sign of weakness which counters our need to be independent and strong. Or perhaps we retreat because the constant presence of the one who gave or met our need serves to remind us of our need or weakness. These feelings make it difficult for us to surrender our all to God, because we don’t like the feeling of being dependent or in need of another. 

 Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lessons Learned

We are constantly bombarded by the world’s definition of being dependent. Yet this is in direct contrast to the Word of God.

  • God’s Design For Us Is:
  • To Live in Total Dependence on Him
    (Proverbs 16:9, Psalms 121:1-2, John 15:5)
  • To Freely Accept His Gift of Salvation – Our Debt Has been Paid
    (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, I Timothy 1:15-16)

  • To Give Him Spontaneous and Heartfelt Praise
    (John 4:23, Romans 12:1-2, Revelation 14:7)
  • To Acknowledge Our Need
    (Acts 17:24-27, Job 22:2, John 15:6)
  • Instead We:

  • Promote and Revere Independence
  • Believe that Nothing Is Free – Everyone Has an Ulterior Motive
  • Dwell in a Realm of Self-Centeredness and Have Difficulty Praising Others
  • Believe Neediness is Weakness

Lessons Lived

So no wonder we have difficulty understanding what it means to be surrender to Christ, for our very nature precludes us from being dependent on another. But once we understand and truly appreciate Who God Is and all He’s done for us, then our sense of gratitude expands. It moves from simply being thankful to understanding that although we can never repay Him for all He’s done for us, we are forever bound to Him by an intricate web of His salvation, love, grace and mercy. For example, my extreme gratitude helps me recognize and relish my dependence on Christ. Out of my utmost gratitude, I want to live my life for Him. My limitless gratitude enables me to welcome His gift of my eternal salvation and allows me to exist, not under a cloud of judgment but within a circle of love.

Reflections

  1. How does Romans 6:23 speak to you?
  2. How have you come to understand God’s gifts to you? 
  3. What gifts do you find difficult to accept from God? Why? 
  4. How can you express your gratitude to God, not out of a sense of indebtedness but out of love?
  5. What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
    • Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts or practices?
    • Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated to live for Christ?
    • Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
    • Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?

Playlist

As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a few songs from my “I Surrender All” Playlist. Listen and let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was. 

Prayer