“…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:5 NIV
When I learned about self-righteousness, I realized how empty humans truly are. It felt as though we were empty vessels until something filled us up.
So, when we take credit for being filled and try to belittle others who are not like us, it is offensive.
The same spirit that empowered Jesus also empowers you and me to do good work. If Jesus, who was without sin, had such a spirit, then it is a privilege for us, who were born into sin, to have that same spirit.
However, to have the same spirit, we must be like Christ, which requires being born again. It is a walk of faith, fuelled by God’s mercy, which propels us into a realm of achievements only made possible through His righteousness.
The substitution made at the foundation of the world gave us an advantage and has made us more capable of reclaiming what Satan thought he had taken from us.
So, from this day forward, understand that you have been empowered not by your wealth or material possessions, but by God’s spirit poured into you.
How can we show God’s mercy to those we work with?
Imagine gathering your team one day and telling them, “You don’t need to do anything to earn my trust. I trust you, and I know you can do this work. I have also forgiven you in advance for any mistakes you may make on the job.“
How do you think they would feel?
They would feel empowered and trusted. However, human wickedness would also arise. Your statement would be tested multiple times a day until you set up some rules that keep order. Yes, you trust them, but those who choose not to fulfil their responsibilities will face consequences.
This also applies spiritually. Yes, we have God’s mercy, but that does not give us permission for “unruly” behaviour.
Showing mercy to our colleagues does not mean being careless with the organization. Their presence in the organization and the fact that they have been absolved of all future errors makes them righteous.
Just as a Christian exhibits the fruit of the spirit to spread the gospel through actions, you and your team must also embrace the core values of the organization for it to thrive. The consequences of inaction will become clear.
This way, you not only show God’s mercy but also empower others for greatness.
Since I have been empowered, the following patterns in my life need to change…
Patterns are habits; they can persist for a long time until there is a reason to change. For instance, you may have a pattern of self-doubt that causes you to second-guess yourself. This pattern may stem from fear or insecurity.
However, as an empowered individual, you can be confident that God helps you make the right decisions every time. So, name those disempowering patterns and transform them.
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