“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” Romans 6:1-2 (NLT)
I love a good challenge; especially physical challenges. I am always looking for a new race or endurance event to compete in.
I recently purchased a kayak in the hopes of doing my first combination trail run and kayak event. I love a little healthy competition, and I enjoy pushing myself to be stronger and faster. Now that I’m retired from the military, these events keep me fit and healthy.
Have you ever considered that grace works the same way?
It helps us stay spiritually fit and strengthens our relationship with God. I love what Paul wrote in Romans 6. He challenged the Romans not to continue in their sins, but rather to press on toward their new life in Christ. He reminds us that grace isn’t a license to sin. Rather, grace is a gentle course-correction. Grace is the way God shapes and conditions us to look more like Him.
It’s so easy to think of grace as this one-time event when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. However, grace is not a one-time occurrence, it’s a life event. Every time we mess up, God extends His grace. Grace is a part of His sanctification process. In light of this, let’s challenge ourselves to allow grace to impact how we live every day.
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer talks about “cheap grace”—a grace we do nothing with, a grace we cheapen without realizing that being a true disciple of Christ has a cost. Bonhoeffer writes, “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”
Are you living by grace that is challenging you, or are you treating God’s grace cheaply?
Yes, God gives us grace for our shortcomings; but that grace normally holds a lesson. Grace provides a second chance, an opportunity for us to learn, grow, change and become the people God created us to be. Grace is no small thing; and it’s generally very costly. Why? Because grace cost Jesus everything.
DIGGING DEEPER:
- When was the last time you allowed grace to cost you something?
- How is grace challenging you to deepen your relationship with God?
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If you need prayer or you would like to talk with a K-LOVE Pastor, we are here to serve you. Call us at 844-364-4673 (hope).
