From A Park Bench - 2 Corinthians 8 v 9

2 Corinthians 8 v 9

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

We have been made rich through Christ. The amazing, scandalous exchange of the cross is that Jesus took all the punishment I deserved and I received all the glory and riches he deserved.

The Christian life is not a changed life, but an exchanged life. It is not where God comes in and now you have the ability to live for him. It is His life flowing and emanating out of you, effortlessly.  

Many Christian’s are trying to live right, trying to do the right thing, trying to be the perfect saint, trying to be a good example in their work, leisure and to the people they meet. Unfortunately, they are trying to somebody that they already are. You cannot add to your righteousness and your holiness, by the free gift of God you are rich

.

Instead of trying we should start expecting.

Rest in who you now are and start expecting God to work through you to touch the world. Expect to impart the love of God to others. Expect to have the life of Jesus flow through you. Expect the peace of Jesus to control your heart and emotions.

We have the life of Christ in us, we need to rest in his finished work and enjoy the riches of his grace. End the trying to be the perfect Christian example and start relaxing and expect the joy and love of God to flow out of us, effortlessly.