How many 100th birthday parties have you had the opportunity to attend?My husband spent many years in a variety of media positions, both Christian and secular. As a result, we sometimes had the opportunity to attend events we never would have had access to otherwise. One of these was the 100th birthday of Ruth Peale, Mrs. Norman Vincent Peale.
We drove to New York City and entered the posh hotel where the gala was being held. We mingled with Our acquaintances amongst the large number of honored guests and family members. As we enjoyed the dinner and festivities honoring Mrs. Peale there was a sense of disbelief. How did we get here?
We didn’t earn a place at the table. We weren’t obligated to receive an invitation as relatives or dignitaries. Business contacts through Tom’s radio position put our names on the list. Without those contacts the party planners would never have heard our names let alone added them to the invitation list.
So, dear friend, let me ask you something. When it comes to the list of those who are looking forward to a place at God’s table in heaven, is your name on it? Are you sure? I would bet that most people who are taking the time to read this are confident that their names are on that list. Confident and absolutely secure, but I have a deeper question to ask. Are you still trying to earn a place at the table? You may not even be aware of it. Your drive to succeed or to simply be a good Christian may be rooted in a need to prove that you deserve your invitation.
Here’s what I mean: Many of us, even though we know that it is our faith in the cross of Christ that gives us entrance into heaven, are still trying to create a space for ourselves through our religious activity. We feel like we need to be good enough to keep our seat at the heavenly banquet table reserved. Or that if we don’t work hard enough our names might get scratched off the guest list.
It’s really simple. Just relax. If you’ve responded to the invitation to receive Christ, then you don’t have to do another thing. Your name is already on the list. God included you because of His love for you, not because you scored enough points to win a trip to heaven. All you have to do is continue to respond to that love, get ready and show up at the party.
Your place is waiting.
Key thought: You earn your place at God’s table through faith in Christ.
A Scripture to consider: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8 NLT
A YES Challenge: As you think about the work you do for God ask God to reveal your motivation. Ask Him if you are trying to earn a place and to help you to relax and enjoy the invitation.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the invitation extended to me through the cross of Christ. I so look forward to the day when I get to celebrate with You in heaven. Help me to relax and stop trying to earn it. Let my work be for love of you and not for earning. Amen.