When Good Isn't Good Enough

"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"
John 3:3 (NIV)

Have you ever met another Christian and thought, "If anyone's right with God, it's them"?

The infamous Pharisee named Nicodemus steps out of the shadows and approaches Jesus in the cover of night. This man represents everything admirable in religion: he's a Pharisee, one of only six thousand elite Jewish scholars, and a member of the seventy-person Supreme Court. He keeps every rule, never misses church, and tithes faithfully. He's the spiritual equivalent of an Eagle Scout.

Yet Jesus looks at this religious superstar and drops a bombshell: "You must be born again."

Imagine the shock rippling across Nicodemus's face. His good works, perfect attendance, and moral excellence suddenly seem worthless. Jesus says your goodness will never be good enough for God.

You might think your church involvement, charitable giving, or moral lifestyle earns you points with God. But Jesus says the same thing to you that He said to Nicodemus: even your best efforts can't bridge the gap between you and God.

The path to God doesn't run through your good deeds. It runs through new birth, a spiritual transformation only God can provide. If you have not been born again, just turn your heart to the Lord right now. And if you’ve been born again, remember that you are right with God because of the life He provides within—accept that and see the kingdom of God right where you are.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me a new life in Christ. Help me see that I can't earn my way to You through good works. I need the renewal that only You can give. Open my heart to receive what only You can provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.