Madison Prewett Troutt argues that Christian confidence and calling are not about self-promotion or personal success, but are entirely about and for Jesus. She warns that believers can easily perform religious activities while drifting away from their first love and living for earthly reputation rather than eternity. To counter this drift, she urges Christians to remember who God is, repent of both small and large sins, and run their race with eyes fixed single-mindedly on Jesus.

Revelation 2:2-4

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

Revelation 3:1-2

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.

Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

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