There is far more to walking in God's ways than merely being a religious person. Using a lot of 'God-talk' will not win God's favour, neither will hiding behind rituals and rules. Matthew insists that only by putting our faith into action will we enter into the Kingdom of God. Deuteronomy contrasts two paths - one leads to ruin, the other to happiness. The path to happiness and life - the commandments of God - must govern our actions and our thoughts. The word of God must be put in our heart and mind so that it becomes part of who we are.

Sometimes people like to think that they have somehow earned favour in God's eyes - in a sense, accomplished their own salvation. Paul has a different view: no one has lived up to God's standards. All have sinned; all have fallen short of God's glory. We are all on the same ground. God declared the whole human race bankrupt and gave us a fresh beginning in Jesus. Salvation is a gift of a gracious and loving God, and as a gift it must be accepted now, just as we are. There is no greater act of humility than to accept this gift that we have not earned and do not merit on our own. Our only response should be joyful gratitude.