Eric Hamilton
I was taking a college course (I will omit which one for fear of embarrassing myself in a congregation full of engineers) that was quickly proving to be a nightmare. By the second test, it was clear I was not going to pass. I approached the professor in desperation. First, I asked how to drop the class, but it was too late. Next, I pleaded, “What do I have to do to pass? What do I need to avoid an F?”
The obvious answer seemed to be: study hard and ace the tests. But that was not the issue. I devoted more time to this class than any other, even letting other grades slip. The problems ran deeper. I had coasted on the previous course that this course built upon. My own past shortcuts were to blame for my current situation.
Faced with failure, I fixated on the minimum: What do I need for a D? This mindset, I realize now, mirrors how many of us approach our relationship with God. We acknowledge our mistakes that displease him. We feel remorse and wonder, “What does God want from me now? What must I do to avoid failing?” We might think we have blown our chances at an A or B, reserved for people better than us. So, we settle: What about a C or D?
God Wants Nothing
First, there is nothing we can offer God that he does not already possess. Consider extreme gestures: donating vast sums to charity or the church, even giving away all our wealth. Would that suffice? Does God need our money? As the Creator of the universe, he wields infinite power. He formed everything from nothing. Nothing is beyond him. Does he breathe a sigh of relief over our offerings? “Thank goodness for that donation! I could not function without it”? Absolutely not! God does not require our time or resources. Anything we give, he could provide for himself in greater abundance.
The ancient Israelites, too, pondered what God desired. The law mandated sacrifices, so they wondered how many: thousands of rams, rivers of oil, even a firstborn child? This missed the point. What can you offer that God does not already possess? The prophet Micah explained: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). God does not desire things, but a relationship with us built upon loving the things he loves, and humbly conforming ourselves to him.
Yet, a barrier exists. We have already faltered. Romans 3:23 states that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” 1 John 1:5 describes God as “light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Psalm 14:2-3 reveals that no one seeks God perfectly; all have turned away. What can we do to make up for the transgressions we already made?
Again, the answer is nothing. We cannot rectify our failures. We have already fallen short, earning death as sin’s wage (Romans 6:23). We deserve an F. But God acted. John 3:16-17 declares his love: that he gave his Son so believers might have eternal life, not condemnation. Romans 5:6-8 emphasizes that Christ died for the ungodly while we were still sinners. Jesus paid the full penalty on the cross.
Hebrews 10:12-20 elaborates: Christ’s single sacrifice perfected the sanctified forever, unlike repeated Old Testament offerings. Through his blood, God establishes a new covenant, inscribing laws on hearts and forgetting sins. We gain bold access to God’s presence through Christ. Jesus did everything. God wants nothing because he provided it all.
God Wants Everything
This might seem contradictory. “There must be a catch!” Indeed, while God needs nothing and did everything for salvation, He seeks a genuine relationship. Not a half-hearted effort, aiming for the bare minimum. The Hebrews passage shows He desires our hearts and minds. When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” God wants everything: our complete love. Love does not settle for a D grade.
For married couples, imagine aiming for mediocrity in your relationship. Would your spouse accept as a vow that you would try for slightly better than worst? Love demands more. We are not perfect. Mistakes happen. But intent matters. “It’s the thought that counts,” though cliché, still rings very true. Even if imperfect, heartfelt and genuine attempts reveal love which covers a multitude of mistakes. God seeks that: not flawlessness, but wholehearted trying with heart, mind, and soul.
Jesus framed it in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This calls for total surrender. Demanding? Yes. But Jesus gave no less. He carried his cross, dying for our sins out of love, unwilling for us to perish. He initiated by giving everything; now, he asks the same in response.
Grace and Effort Intertwined
To close my college tale: I could not drop the class or master the subject, despite tremendous effort. I attended every office hour and study session, pouring in everything I had. I still bombed the tests and final. I did the math, I deserved an F. Yet, my professor gave me a D. Why? I’m not sure, but I’d like to think that my effort garnered her sympathy. Her grace alone passed me.
Our story with God parallels but surpasses this. Surrender fully, carry your cross, follow him. Past failures do not matter; even if an A seems impossible, God does not offer a pity D. He bestows an A-plus. He forgives and remembers sins no more, granting bold entry through Christ’s blood. What does God want? Nothing… and Everything.
