Kirk Post- Post it Notes
                           What's the Score?


Ephesians 2: 4-5   "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."


Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the sports programs at our church over the past few years, especially soccer.  Watching the 'mob' of kids move up and down the field chasing the ball is great entertainment on a spring or fall Saturday and admission, refreshments, and parking are way below most market prices!  The primary focus of each team for the younger kids is centered around character qualities including teamwork, sportsmanship,  encouragement, love, and FUN; all without a scoreboard.  However, many kids are somehow caught up in the score and whether they're winning or losing.  Although it's nice to win, the kids are taught other aspects of playing a team sport but the main question coming from the bench always seems to be "what's the score?"

Occassionally, I'll sometimes find myself asking the same question to God regarding my spiritual progress, life status, and overall comparison to others;  what's the score anyway?  How am I doing?  What must I do to enter the kingdom of heaven?  Do I need to do more?  It's easy to think this way with our busy lives these days; I mean we have all the tools and conveniences in order to make our lives so much more efficient.  I should have more time, right?  Upon further evaluation, maybe I should volunteer to teach another Sunday School class, work a Saturday and build a habitat house, go to a bible study once a week, participate in the Great Day of Service, or read the bible for 45 minutes each day?  For the record, it's ok to do all of these but, can't I get the score around here and find out where I am and how I'm doing? 

Well, I have found peace in that our Heavenly Father isn't keeping score.  He's not measuring our progress by looking at our personal scorecards each day or love me more or less when I'm good or bad.  He created and designed me and through life's experiences, His ultimate desire is to draw me closer to Him and to have a personal relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ.  Psalm 103: 10 promises that "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."  Sure, He is disappointed in me for my sin, but He wants my intimacy, not my activity.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is NOT from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast." 

Prayer for the day.  Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and mercy!  Guide us to grow in your love wholeheartedly and to have a personal relationship with your Son and Perfector of Faith, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Kirk