Romans 14:22 (NIV) 22 So
whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed
is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
Three suggestions come to mind as I think about living with
the risks of grace and putting all this into balanced living.
First, guard against extremes if you want to enjoy the
freedom grace provides. Try your best to keep balanced, then enjoy it. No reason
to feel guilty. No reason to be afraid. Try this first: Simply give yourself
permission to be free. Don't go crazy . . . but neither should you spend time
looking over your shoulder worrying about those who "spy out your
liberty," and wondering what they will think and say.
Second, treat grace as an undeserved privilege rather
than an exclusive right. This will also help you keep a balance. Live
gratefully, not arrogantly. Have fun, but don't flaunt. It is all in one's
attitude, isn't it? It has nothing to do with financial status or where you
live or what clothes you prefer or which car you drive. It has everything to do
with attitude.
Third, remember that while grace came to you freely, it
cost the Savior His life. It may seem free, but it was terribly expensive when
He purchased it for us. And who wouldn't want to be free, since we have been
purchased from the horrors of bondage?
Grace is God's universal good news of salvation. The tragedy
is that some continue to live lives in a deathlike bog because they have been
so turned off by a message that is full of restrictions, demands, negativism,
and legalism. You may have been one of those held in bondage, victimized by a
system that has stolen your joy and snuffed out your hope. If so, I have some
wonderful news. You've gotten very close to the border. There's a flag flying.
And on that flag is a cross. And if you come into this camp of grace beneath
the cross, you'll never have to be in that awful bog again.
Thought for today:
Do I abuse grace?
No comments:
Post a Comment