Sometimes it feels like I’m walking on eggshells in my life with Jesus. I’m worried that I’ll disappoint Him or mess up in some way, and it feels like I’m fighting an uphill battle against my selfish nature. Recently, I’ve been reading the “Lent” devotional cards by Ruth Chou Simons, and today’s card used John 15:13 to remind me that Jesus calls me His “friend.” This reminder came at the perfect time as I have been feeling extra eggshell-y lately. In the chaos of life, I sometimes get mixed up and think of Jesus as my boss instead of as my Savior and Friend. Think of the difference between your interactions with a boss and with a friend! With a boss we might be hoping for a promotion, recognition, or at least to be doing enough to stay on track. With a friend, we’re relaxed and ourselves because we are known and loved. Christ’s choice to call us “friends” beautifully frees us from a performance mindset and allows us to live out of full acceptance in Christ (see Gal. 5:1). 

In church this week, the pastor talked about how our confidence in Christ’s work is the basis for our perseverance (based on Hebrews 10:19-25). When we receive acceptance in Christ and are confident in His love for us, we have strength to persevere. Jesus has already called us His friends and has given us His love to abide in. Are we receiving His love and allowing it to give us strength as we continue in what He has called us to (Phil. 1:6, Gal. 6:9)? 

Confidence in Christ’s acceptance of us frees us to do His Kingdom work through His Spirit living in us. We aren’t trying to perform for God; we are working out of acceptance based in His love. Instead of working ourselves to the bone for recognition, we humbly seek God. We are free to work hard for the Lord, to gratefully enjoy His rest, and to do all things for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). When our work for His Kingdom brings hardship on earth, we can rest assured that we are accepted completely in Him (see Matt. 5:11-12). 

As we grow in the confidence and joy that comes out of our acceptance in Jesus, we are free to follow God’s commandment to love one another (John 15:17). There’s no need for competition because we aren’t working for recognition. We can joyfully work together for God’s Kingdom and glory. In this way we reflect the acceptance and love of Jesus to others.