Every day, we’re counting on something to tell us we matter. For many of us, it’s performance—what we do, how we measure up, whether we’re getting it right. But what happens when what you’re counting on… fails? Paul’s words to the Galatians press right into that question. Because if your sense of worth depends on you, it will eventually collapse under the weight.
In Galatians 3, Paul is stunned that the Galatians would move away from the gospel after experiencing it so clearly. They heard about Christ crucified, they received the Spirit, and yet they drifted back into trying to prove themselves. Why? Because performance feels controllable—even when it’s crushing. But Scripture is clear: we are not justified by what we do, but by faith in what Jesus has done. Even Abraham was counted righteous not because he performed, but because he believed. The deeper issue isn’t behavior—it’s what we’re counting on to make us count.
This week, pay attention to where you feel the need to prove yourself. Where are you trying to earn what God has already given? Instead of striving, practice trusting. Let that be the place where you walk with Jesus. Because of Jesus, you are completely forgiven and fully pleasing to God—you don’t have to perform to make yourself count.
