Remembering our Love & Reorienting our Lives
“Are you securely saved?” That question, posed to me by my counselor, stirred something deep within. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure of my answer. I hoped I was saved, but lingering doubts about my ability to stay the course gnawed at me. This uncertainty was rooted in my belief that my salvation hinged on my ability to perform—to stay faithful, true, and diligent in my walk with Christ.
For many years, I had subconsciously carried the weight of perfectionism, guilt, and shame, believing that what I did or didn’t do had a direct impact on my salvation. The cross felt like something that had gotten me started, but the rest was up to me to finish. I would have said my hope was in Jesus—yes—but I also believed that my salvation rested on my ability to stay the course. But that’s not how the Gospel works.
The cross isn’t just the starting line of our faith journey; it’s the bedrock of every step we take. As I’ve grown in understanding, I now see that my salvation doesn’t depend on my ability to stay faithful. It rests on Christ’s finished work. Paul speaks of this in Galatians 3: “After beginning by the Spirit, are you now finishing by the flesh?” The answer is clear: we don’t finish anything by our own power. Jesus accomplished it all.
The more we grasp the Gospel, the more it transforms us. The bigger the cross becomes, the more we understand our need for it—and the deeper our love for Jesus grows. As I’ve come to appreciate the Gospel more fully, I can’t stop thinking about it.
The work Jesus has done for me on the cross isn’t something to tuck away in the past; it’s the very source of the joy, peace, and freedom I experience daily.
The Gospel is good news!
Our sin does not have to condemn us. Jesus has come to our rescue.
Eph 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Because Jesus lived a perfect life, one we could never live and died the brutal death–the one we deserve–and rose again as king conquering death forever, we can receive his grace–free and unmerited favor. We can receive his peace–total freedom in Him for our life and death.
When we understand and experience His grace and peace, it impacts every area of our lives—how we lead, serve, love others, and even how we think about ourselves. I remember the early days of leading TFI, when my insecurities and pride led me to compare myself to others, constantly striving to prove my worth. I struggled to feel respected by other leaders, and my insecurity often fueled my actions. I let pressure drive my ministry instead of resting in the freedom of Christ.
The Gospel reminds us that we are not what we do.
We are not defined by our performance or our success. Jesus loves us because we are His. And when we reorient our lives around this truth, it frees us from the pressure to perform and from the comparison trap that so often ensnares us. This is the good news of the Gospel: we are secure in Christ, not because of anything we have done, but because of everything He has done.
So how do we live in light of this good news?
How do we remember and reorient our lives around the Gospel every day? Let me offer three practical practices that have helped me grow in my love for Jesus and dependence on Him.
- Sabbath
Our family has embraced the rhythm of Sabbath by stopping, resting, delighting, and worshipping together. On Sundays, we put our phones away, take naps, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. This time of rest isn’t about legalism; it’s about intentionality—pausing to remember God’s goodness and to enjoy His gifts. - Regular Confession
Confession is a regular rhythm in our family. We remind our children that while we don’t expect them to be perfect, we do expect them to be honest. Confession doesn’t condemn us—it frees us. Keeping short accounts with each other and with God deepens our awareness of His grace and our need for the Gospel. - Intentional Conversations
Whether we’re with friends or family, we often ask three key questions:
What have you been reading in God’s word?
What have you been learning or hearing from Him?
How can I pray for you?
These questions draw us deeper into relationship with God and with each other.
As we go through life, it’s easy to fall back into self-reliance and forgetfulness. But Jesus does all the work. He lifts us out of our sin and wrong thinking, and His grace continually draws us back to Him. So, let us keep the Gospel at the forefront of our minds, allowing it to shape and transform every aspect of our lives.
Remember, we are securely saved because of His work, not our own. And as we live in this truth, we find the rest, joy, and freedom that only He can provide.
Jami Kaeb
Foster care and adoption were not part of Jami’s dreams for her life, but God changed her heart when He made her aware, and she is passionate about helping others become aware too. She and her husband Clint are parents to their seven children (five through adoption) and one on the way! Jami is filled up by her time with Jesus in the stillness of the early mornings, walks with Clint, connecting with her kids, and growing in relationship with others!
