Saying we deserve something implies we’ve earned it. Maybe we think we’re pretty good: generous, easy to get along with, hardworking, faithful–all good things to be and do. However, Isaiah 64:6 reads, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Even our best goodness is unclean. Do we forget that?
As typical humans, we’re adept at spinning the situation. We know how to make excuses for our dilemmas and selectively state “facts” to make another person out to be the bad guy. We also like to take credit for all the good in our lives. We forget that any good is in our lives only by God’s grace and that the “unfair” dilemmas and difficulties we face have been allowed by God.
We are valuable because we’re created in the image of God and God loves us. But rather than encouraging us to lay claim to a “deserved” happiness, God’s Word instructs us to make a priority of bettering the lives of those around us. Galatians 5:13-14 reads, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 20:26-28 directs, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The thief hanging on the cross next to the dying Savior had a clear idea of what he deserved when he spoke to the other thief: “We are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong”(Luke 23:41). His recognition of what he deserved and who Jesus is was the reason for his next request and the answer: “’Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And [Jesus] said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise’”(Luke 23:42,43).
Right now, your heart is beating over and over in your chest, pumping your blood and giving you life. It keeps pumping by the grace of God, not because you’ve accomplished some great task which has earned you a happy tomorrow. Go back to that humility which was necessarily present when you accepted Christ as Savior, that moment when you realized the “due reward” of your deeds, that recognition of your unworthiness and hopelessness and that complete trust in the only One who is worthy. Rejoice in him–and be very thankful for all the happiness in your life. It’s more than you deserve.