Our Sufficiency

“Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.’ 2 Corinthians 3:5 

Basic acts of living, like waking up and getting out of bed, dressing up, and leaving the house, are taken for granted. People go about their lives ignorant or not willing to consider the fact that they are not in control. There is a constant struggle to exist, to live better, and to hold on to what we’ve got. We don’t spare these activities any thought, most of the time, we just do what we have to do. In other words, we have become sufficient within ourselves to exist, live better, and succeed. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:5 

If we can live our lives as we see fit, why does Jesus say that we can’t do anything apart from Him? Scripture has taught us that there are different ways to live, in the vine (Christ) or in the world. To live in Christ is to wake up, get out of bed, dress up, and live in Him, by His grace, taking nothing for granted. To live that kind of life is to live in continuous praise of the goodness of God. That person understands that daily existence is by faith in the grace of the Father.

You can’t live in both worlds, that’s self-deceit. That’s living out your own will and believing that your faith in God will make it come to pass. We have all lived like that, imposing our will on God and expecting His stamp of approval, it doesn’t work. We must choose where we belong because the more you sit on the fence, the more the jagged edges torture your flesh.

How do we know that we are living in the vine?

1. A daily walk with God that sustains and humbles
2. Wisdom to direct and keep you on your path
3. Total dependence on God’s grace
4. Peace

We are not sufficient/enough in ourselves to live, life would be too hard. Our sufficiency must come from God, the Father, and our burden bearer. Our whole existence must be dependent on Him, or else, regardless of what we have achieved and become, we merely exist.

Till next time, be transformed!!