No Substitutions

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Salvation is made available to us solely by the gift of God through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died to pay the penalty for our sins so we could be reconciled to the Father. It is by His Grace through faith that we are able to receive it. Faith, which is also a gift from God (Romans 12:3). 

And while faith in Christ produces a heart to serve and help others, works such as serving, giving, good deeds, etc., do not serve as a substitute for faith. We must be careful to not allow ourselves to reduce our journey with Jesus to the tasks we accomplish.

There is no substitution for faith in a living, loving relationship with the Lord.

Prayer:

Father,

           Forgive us when we allow our relationship with You to become mindless acts of perceived duty. Open our eyes of understanding to fully embrace what it means to love You with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. In Jesus' Name we pray.