Gospel as Gift

After calling the Galatians "foolish" Paul writes, The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?  Are you so foolish?  Having started with the Spirit are you now ending with the flesh?  Did you experience so much for nothing?  - if it really was for nothing.  Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-5 NRSV)  The Gospel comes to us as "gift."  The interesting thing about a gift is that if it is truly a gift, you can't do anything to earn it; you can only receive it.   Otherwise, it's compensation or pay for my work or something I have done.  However, a gift, in order to be enjoyed or utilized, must be received.  Often I find myself subconsciously thinking I have to prove myself a worthy follower of Christ to God.  But, the only thing I can do is receive God's gift of Spirit and allow Him to work through me.  The active part for me is to receive, and allow the life of Christ to live through me.  I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:19,20 NRSV).