What right do we have?

It's been a while, but here is a reflection on a thought that has been on my mind for a long time...

What right do we have? Who do we think we are that we should claim anything for oursleves? Jobs? Wealth? Power? Love? Ambition? I am going to be upfront...I am going to immediately suppose that human beings are corrutp at the core. Everything that we stive for, even in the name of God, is corrupt so long as at the foundation of our actions lies sin. It can only be through the grace of God that anything we accomplish be done for His glory.

For example, as I sit here writing this post, I am a student at a prestigious seminary so caught up in my selfishness that God feels so distant and my education feels so contrite. By God's grace, I was accepted to this institution and longed to receive a top quality education in order that I might serve God as best equipped as possible. However, amidst my own desires, I am transforming this time that could be so fruitful and selfless into a time where doubt and shame plague my thoughts. There are times where I lie awake at night speaking to God in the silence of my dorm room not expecting to hear anything in reply. What kind of faith is this? What kind of life is this?

I possess a dying faith...as a matter of fact, we all do. And this shows that my faith can only be revived by the very one who selflessly died on a cross of shame for the salvation and continuation of life on this selfish underserving rock. I have not merited or warranted any sort of accalade that would give reason for Jesus Christ to do such a thing. However, it is love that perpetuates His grace and gives validation to His actions.

What right do we have? None at all. However, by Jesus Christ's very blood, very action, and very love, all of us own the right and privilege to love and submit to the one God that will lead us to a wealth beyond any human comprehension. I don't have any right to go forth in this life striving for my own success, even though I do. The only right I have is to lay in the silence of my room speaking the name of God and expecting a reply.