Is your box checked?

Christians spend so much time checking off our spiritual boxes.

• Go to church...check.
• Be kinder to spouse...check.
• Pray with kids...check.
• Read Bible...check.
• Prepare meal for sick friend...check.

And while all of the above are wonderful things - things God calls us to do - none of these things get us any closer to heaven.

The New Living Translation of one of the Bible's key "salvation by grace alone" texts says it perfectly:  "God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this, it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Our entrance into heaven is based solely on the grace of God.  He gave us something we didn't deserve and couldn't earn so that we're all equal and free in his sight.  Then, because we're free, we strive toward good deeds out of love and thankfulness...not service and duty.

Where are you right now?  Working your way into God's favor or standing before him clean and forgiven?  Go free today.  There's only one box you need to check:  God saved you by his grace when you believed...check!