No, I Don’t Got This
“I got this!” This is the battle cry we use to energize ourselves and draw from our inner strength to tackle a project. The volume in our voice when we say it is proportional to the weight of the task–a natural overcompensation for something we are not cut out for in the first place. Even as toddlers, we have this inborn sense that “I can do it myself!”
We tend take the same mental approach to the most magnificent task of all – entering Heaven. When Jesus makes it clear that it is truly an impossible task for us, his followers ask Him, “Are only a few people going to be saved.” Jesus answers, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” – Luke 13:24
Because it is truly impossible for a deeply flawed human being (aka – ALL of us) to earn entrance into Heaven, Jesus is essentially telling us, “Make every effort to NOT make any effort.” The wide path is the instinct “do it myself” fostered by the grading system in school, promotions at work, and practically everything we do in life. Achieve! Do! Be better! The narrow path, on the other hand, is narrow because it is the exact opposite of the achiever mentality we know so well. The narrow path is humility, acceptance of our weakness, and the ability to admit, “I DON’T got this. Dear God, I need your help.”
Jesus got straight As, lived and loved perfectly, and gave us the credit. Jesus voluntarily sacrificed Himself to make up for all our mistakes. The narrow path is humbly recognizing our failure and trusting that Jesus earned Heaven for us. The narrow path is faith in Jesus, his deep love for us, and his promise that it is all for us. No, “I don’t got this”…but God does. God put forth the effort to save us. We can focus our efforts on thanking Him.
Dear Savior, I’m sorry that I don’t realize that when I try to earn my way to Heaven, I act as though it were based on my performance instead of yours. I am sorry for disrespecting your priceless gift by trying to pay for it with mere pennies. Instill in my heart that you are the only path to Heaven and keep me on the narrow path of complete trust in you. Amen