More Than a Checklist

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

November 16th Sermon, Day 2

Many of us approach our relationship with God like a spiritual to-do list. Pray? Check. Read the Bible? Check. Go to church? Check. Help others? Check. We think if we just do enough good things, we'll earn God's approval and secure our place in heaven.

The rich young ruler fell into this same trap. He had kept all the commandments since his youth, yet he still felt something was missing. His question to Jesus revealed his mindset: "What good thing must I do?" He was looking for another item to add to his spiritual checklist. But Jesus didn't give him another rule to follow. Instead, He offered something far better - a relationship.

Following Jesus isn't about completing a spiritual task list; it's about accepting an invitation to walk with Him daily. This shift in perspective changes everything. Instead of trying to earn God's love through our performance, we can rest in the truth that He already loves us completely. Instead of striving to be good enough, we can trust that Jesus has already made us righteous through His sacrifice. When we understand that salvation is about relationship rather than rules, our hearts can finally find the peace that the young ruler was searching for. We stop performing and start belonging. We stop earning and start receiving. God isn't looking for perfect people who never make mistakes. He's looking for people who recognize their need for Him and are willing to walk with Him through life's journey.

Bible Verse

'"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments."' - Matthew 19:17

Reflection Question

In what ways have you been treating your relationship with God like a checklist, and how can you shift from performing for God to simply being with God?

Quote He thought eternal life was something he needed to do. He thought there was some spiritual task he hadn't completed yet. And so he viewed salvation and eternal life as some kind of a checklist, not a calling.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to earn Your love through my good works. Help me understand that You desire relationship with me, not just religious performance. Teach me to rest in Your grace and walk with You each day. Amen.