Redeemed and Rewritten
Scripture:
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17
Observation:
In a recent crew discussion, we were asked whether we serve God out of relationship or obligation. I hesitated to answer because “obligation” is often framed as something negative, but I saw it differently—like a willing response rooted in gratitude. So, when Pastor Julius began a series on the book of Romans, called “Redeemed and Rewritten,” his message reinforced this sense of the obligation I feel to serve Him. I once was broken; stuck in sin, anxiety, and self-destructive cycles. God met me there, showed me His mercy, and restored my life. I don’t serve from a place of pressure, but a place of redemption. This naturally produces a response to serve Him out of both, gratitude and obligation. The two are deeply connected in my story.
Think of someone saving you from a burning building, taking a bullet for you, or performing life-saving surgery. You’d never forget them. You’d feel a deep, lasting sense of gratitude; even knowing you could never repay them. That’s how I feel about Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has saved me more times than I can count. While I can never repay Him, I must devote my life to serving Him, advancing the Kingdom, sharing His word, and planting seeds of faith.
Paul warned that if we continue living in sin, we can become numb to it; that if we keep rejecting God, our hearts will become darkened. That’s a serious warning. I pray I never reach a place where I think I’m wise, but am actually blind to my own foolishness. I want to love like He loves. I don’t want pride to keep me from asking for the help I need. I won’t let gossip damage relationships with my brothers and sisters. I refuse to let my feelings override the truth. Anything that keeps me from drawing closer to Him, I rebuke it!
Application:
Like Paul, we should desire a steady, unashamed faith—one that endures hardship well and strengthens others, even in weakness. A faith filled with gratitude, even in suffering. Can we live with that same, unashamed, gratitude-filled faith: trusting God in hardship, standing firm in truth, and fulfill this obligation to serve His Kingdom? Or will we grow comfortable in our sin, and slowly drift into spiritual darkness?
What do you need God to cleanse you of? Is it envy, lust, jealousy, or anger? Is it gossip or slander? There are many things that will hinder you from becoming who God has called you to be. All it takes is repentance and surrendering that thing to your Heavenly Father.
He cares for you, and will guide you. But, first, you must submit fully and trust Him completely. Spend some time in a place of surrender today. Think about getting down on your knees as our founding pastor, Pastor Steve Boyce, recently challenged us to do. Because, it is at His feet that we find redemption. It is never too late for your story to be rewritten.
Prayer:
Father God, words fall short of the gratitude we owe You. Your mercy and grace are more than we deserve. Yet, You pour them out so freely. Your love is beyond measure, and we stand in awe of You. Search our hearts and help us lay aside anything that keeps us from becoming who You’ve called us to be. Guard us from our own weaknesses, and shape us according to Your will. Fill us with boldness and courage to go forth and share Your gospel, without fear. We can never repay you, but please allow our lives to be an offering; and us to serve Your kingdom. Grant us wisdom, clarity, and focus, as we lead others to You. We love You; we honor You; and we give You all the glory. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.