by Karen Sargent
The Difference Between Determination and Fascination
Pastor Brad Carter was one of our guest speakers again this year. I have come to expect great teaching and a fresh perspective from his messages. Here are my thoughts, reflections and what I learned. As usual his messages caused me to reevaluate my thinking. I believe you will be inspired as well.
Pastor Brad started with a bold statement. “You are as righteous right now as you will ever be.” It’s one of those truths we know from scripture, but we have often failed to embrace. He challenged us to stop the madness of trying to earn what we have already been given. Consider the work of the cross. Jesus was God’s perfect sacrifice given to make us right with God and restore us to wholeness. It is a free gift available to all. Romans 3 talks about this in verses 21-23.
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
How Can You Earn Righteousness?
This idea that we have to earn righteousness is an epidemic in churches today. Even in the natural it doesn’t make sense. If you give a gift, the receiver doesn’t have to earn it. How much more true is that with God given gifts. Especially righteousness, because it is impossible for us to earn it.
Many times we have a problem believing that we are righteous. Instead of looking at the cross and the finished work, we look at ourselves. We see our flaws and weaknesses and doubt our righteousness. We forget that it was never in our ability to earn it, but in the matchless love of Jesus that we were made righteous.
1 Corinthians 1:29-30 says that “no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
Since it is a position we have been given, we have to learn to receive it. This can only happen with the renewing of our minds. Because if you don’t believe, then you won’t embrace the benefits. These gifts are helpful in our lives and also affect the lives of others. However, the gifts are not the same as the glory of the Lord.
The Glory Of The Lord
It’s important to distinguish between grace and glory. Grace is what God has already done in you. ”By grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:8) Glory is what He wants to do through you. Grace is an internal change, and glory is an external change that others may see. Pastor Brad says it this way “the glory is the red carpet by which we receive grace.” Grace is the unconditional power of God manifested. Glory is the conditional power of God based on our actions and decisions. This makes a great deal of difference. Because grace and therefore our righteousness is a gift and is an internal change. Glory on the other hand is connected to our actions on the condition of merit, and is an external change that others will see.
For example the gift of grace can be seen in the apostles John and Peter. Each was given their position. Then in their actions and decisions we can see if the glory was upon them.
Examples of Determination and Fascination
Consider the difference between Peter and John. Peter is determined to go with Jesus. John was fascinated by Jesus.The difference is that fascination will take you places that determination will not.
Determination is the willingness to do something over and over even if it’s difficult. Determination depends on my will and my decisions. It’s good for some things, like personal goals, but it doesn’t work well relationally. Peter was determined the night Jesus was arrested, but still ended up cursing Jesus. However, fascination helps us focus, and leads us to see what determination doesn’t see.
Fascination- to be drawn in and captivated
Jesus said “love one another as I have loved you.” in John 13:33. Jesus’ love isn’t just determined to put up with us. He is fascinated by us and draws us into our relationship with Him.
For example, John was fascinated and focused on Jesus at the foot of the cross. That’s why Jesus gave his mother to John, and not one of his brothers. John was in position as a disciple, but his posture was to lean in and hear Jesus’ heart.
Reflect on what is fueling you, your spiritual walk, and even your decisions. Is it determination driving you, or is fascination fueling you?
My position is determined by the LORD, but my posture is decided by my actions.
My position is determined by the LORD, but my posture is decided by my actions and decisions. The disciples all had a seat at the table, that was a position. However, John was seated at His right hand and leaned on Jesus. He chose a posture that was intimate and he was able to hear Jesus’ heart.
Applying this to ourselves, in salvation we have been given the position of a righteous child of God. Developing our fascination with Jesus, makes our relationship about Him and not about us.
With position and posture, we are able to lean in as children and listen to the heart of the Father. There’s no better place and no other place I’d rather be. Determination will only get us so far, so let’s focus on fascination with the Father and lean into Him. Then we will receive all He has for us.
I’m reminded of the words of the song Jireh by Elevation Worship and Maverick City. “I’ll never be more loved than I am right now. ” Remember you are loved and you were made righteous. Now that’s Good News!
