We often view life as transactional — where effort earns reward and love is conditional. Even as Christians, we can feel like there is something we need to do to prove ourselves to God, to prove we love him, or to somehow gain his love. It’s easy to project this transactional mindset onto God, seeing him as a cosmic accountant or a vending machine for blessings. But God isn’t bound by human systems of merit. He loves extravagantly, without condition. In Christ, we see sacrificial love — given freely, not to manipulate or demand, but simply for the good of the beloved. This is the beauty of true, unconditional love.
As disciples of Jesus, we learn a new way of seeing God as Father, Son, and Spirit. Seeing ourselves as God’s beloved children is foundational. It is a foundation that helps guard against legalism and a “works based” mentality.
What is a shift that changes our perspective from transactional to kingdom-minded? God does not need us; he wants us. He wants us to join him and live life together because he loves us. He is more concerned about the relationship than about our good deeds. I say “more concerned about” relationship because that it is the fertile soil the Holy Spirit works within. God is conforming us to the image of his Son, and it is by God’s presence, by relating to him, that we are being transformed to reflect his priorities, his love.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIVUK
Apart from Jesus, we cannot bear fruit. This is vital to what it means to join Jesus in living a sent life. There is only one ministry and that is Jesus’ ministry. We can try to break it down into various categories and use different titles or labels — but when all is said and done, there is only one ministry. This is important to grasp because if we do not, we can begin to go and try to do ministry for Jesus instead of doing ministry with Jesus. The difference between the two is day and night and is crucial. Joining Jesus in his ministry means the weight and responsibility of being fruitful is on his shoulders — not ours. The responsibility of changing people’s hearts and minds is on his shoulders — not ours.
With this understanding, we are free to love people and see that God is working in their lives. We can ask the Holy Spirit what each person needs and how best to share the good news. When we remove the weight and responsibilities from our shoulders, it changes everything! We are free to love, we are free to invite. We are free to share Jesus’ gospel and trust his timing in people’s lives. It is freeing! Jesus’ yoke is easy, and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
May we be disciples who stand firm in God’s love, who trust him and his plan for all his children, who step out to join him in his amazing ministry of reconciliation.
Mike Rasmussen, Superintendent of North America and the Caribbean
Surrey Hills, Oklahoma, US
Thanks, Mike. Jesus is God in our flesh and our best friend. I wept for joy when God’s grace sprouted and bloomed in my soul. Home at last!
Hi Mike,
I was drawn by the word merit and the word mercy. Both appear to derive from Latin meaning reward, a transaction. Human culture breeds this transactional mindset, but “God isn’t bound by human systems of merit.” In kingdom culture,” He loves extravagantly, without condition.” Wikipedia teases this idea out further: “Grace is what one receives that one does not deserve while mercy is what one receives when one does not get what one deserves.” In any event, in Jesus we see the Father, freely showing love and compassion as markers of a new kingdom where there is no violence.
Mike,
Thanks much for this excellent record “straight setting” contribution. It is easy to fall into a “merit mentality”. Your article is a good “antidote” against that mind frame.