Do you ever struggle with whether you are good enough?  You may ask, "Good enough for what?"  The exact content or context of the question might not matter.  The question for many is a deep (and often relentless and harping) question of identity.  Are you good enough?
 
Some people face more than an occasional battle concerning their performance.  They face a constant war for who they are.  They find themselves comparing themselves to others and their actions to the actions of others.  They keep looking for standards, hoping that if they live up to the rules set before them they will feel better about themselves.  They may "know better" than to live in the judgmental posture of self-condemnation, but they can't seem to shake it.
 
Are you a legalist - one who seeks to be satisfied and justified by living according to a moral code?  Do you measure yourself and your identity by your adherence to rules or behaviors that you believe are acceptable or substantiating?  The rules might be religious or related to an internal code of ethics or standard of behavior.  Whatever the measurement, it comes with a threat of failure and judgment; a deposit of fear accompanies it.  This latent fear never goes away.  Even when we adhere to the standard, the fear remains because we might not be able to hold fast in the future.
 
The life and death of Jesus is the only thing that ultimately can break the power of law, rule, standards and judgment.  His death is the payment for all "falling short."  When you enter into relationship with Christ, you receive the Spirit of Life that breaks the power of the law of death and judgment.  "You do not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you receive the Spirit of sonship.  And by Him we cry, 'Abba Father.'  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:15-16)
 
When you still yourself, when you stop "doing," what do you feel?  Do you feel bad, or do you feel good to be at rest?  Do you experience an inner witness of the Spirit of God within you, or do you feel condemned - like you must try harder and be better?  Do you have a real sense - an accessible awareness - that you are a child of God?  This is hugely important, and a gracious promise and provision He has for you today.
 
Take a moment to relax and be still; see what bubbles up in your soul.  Is there a loving cry to your Father in heaven welling up in you, or a distant, hollow feeling?  If God seems far away, be encouraged to call upon the Holy Spirit to fill and minister to you today.  Ask Him to teach and counsel you in the ways of God.  Be receptive to experience His presence and love as you commune with Him and walk in His ways.

Listening to His Spirit with you,
Pastor Tom
tgriffith@rolcboston.org