I've Got Nothing

I've been known to use the phrase I've got nothing on occasion. Sometimes it is in response to not having the answer to a question. Sometimes it is in response to the cards I feel life has dealt me. Sometimes it is in response to something greater.

Last week I shared that I've been thinking about the cross. Not about the resurrection, but about the cross - what it means, how I was involved, and how it changes me. As I reflected on what Jesus' sacrifice really means, I am brought to the realization that I've got nothing. I really don't have anything to offer God in terms of making myself right with Him. God's righteous standard is far above anything I could ever attain. Even the little good that I have to offer is fathoms below God's goodness.

I've seen a few "man on the street" videos lately where a passerby is asked if they know for sure they'll go to heaven and how to get there. A startling majority stated that the way to get to heaven is to do good things. "Be nice to people." "Don't hurt others." "Be a good person."

But if everyone is being good, how does one explain the way people drive? Driving is the one place where I'm not shy to say what I think about my fellow travelers. This knocks me out of the running for being "a good person." And, I'm pretty sure none of them are going out of their way to "be nice" to me. If someone wants to be nice to me on the freeway, then why isn't there more room between me and the car behind me?

As for "don't hurt others," I feel wounded sometimes by what others unintentionally don't do for me. "Why didn't she email me?" "Why didn't he appreciate me?" How can I meet the standard of not hurting others when one friend might perceive my actions to be kind while another might feel hurt by me for the same act?

It's a confusing world and there are few things on which I have clarity. But, one thing I know for sure: I've got nothing when it comes to being good enough to get to heaven on my own merits.

Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for providing the way for us to be reconciled to our holy and righteous Creator. Thank You for pouring out Your life so I didn't have to try to meet my own standards (as if I could). Because I've got nothing, I live for you. Thank You, Lord.
In Your holy name,
Amen

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