When my dad was diagnosed with dementia and we started to see the effects of Alzheimer’s take over his mind, I realized I had been operating under an incorrect theology.

My dad was a missionary kid, missionary, Bible college professor, and pastor. He was very intelligent, financially savvy, and good with words. When he was diagnosed with dementia, and we watched Alzheimer’s take him away from us, I was so angry. It just wasn’t fair! This is the thanks he gets for dedicating his entire life to serving the Lord?! That is when I realized my theology was wrong. I was operating under the assumption that checking all the right boxes guarantees a happy and blessed life.

The truth is, blessing does follow obedience, but it doesn’t always look like we expect. In fact, the blessings in our lives have nothing to do with who we are or what we have done. The blessings in our lives are based solely on who He is. I haven’t earned any of the blessings in my life. I don’t deserve any good that comes my way.

It made me realize that as much as I criticize the entitlement displayed by our society today, that is exactly how I was operating. Therefore, my word of the year in 2019 is…

UNDERSERVING

I want to be reminded that God loves me because of who He is, not because of who I am. He loves me because of what He has done, not because of what I have done.

Do you have a word for 2019?