Grace, Grace, Grace
When you consider yourself and your life, what measure do you use? Do you look at whether you are achieving your goals? Do you take a look at your financial portfolio, station of life, or sense of security? Do you look at whether you are living up to particular standards, or maintaining biblical principles? Do you evaluate your health, or your feelings – whether you are happy, sad or gray?
What if you were to lay aside all outward measurements and simply considered whether you were abiding in Christ? Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) It would appear that Jesus has given us an important key to life here. When you entered into relationship with Him, He came to dwell in you; and streams of living water began to flow within you. (John 7:38) He is The Life and the Source of Life, we are not. He’s not just the “spiritual life,” but the fullness of life. “In Him was life and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
Could it really be that all our worry and striving, our efforts to be good and to accomplish goals is worth nothing? Could life be that simple? Rather than performance, what if we simply focused on walking closely with Jesus? We could enjoy His forgiveness where we constantly fall short, and receive His creativity and action plans. What if we let go of outward appearance, and didn’t worry about the expectations of others? Could we really be free to be who we are?
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free … do not let yourselves be burdened with the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) This freedom, this Life is in Jesus – nowhere else. It doesn’t come through self-effort or self-improvement. It doesn’t come from being good, or from being disciplined; it doesn’t come by serving or giving away money. You have been set free from the power of every controlling expectation that anyone could ever attach to you. Jesus died to release you from it. Now, don’t get yourself caught under those expectations – even from yourself – ever again. But, if you do find yourself caught up under rules and expectations, striving, feeling guilty or ashamed, hopeless or bored, the way out is not difficult. Turn your attention to Jesus. Renew your love for Him, and let go of your fear and doubt. “Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)
Are you willing to take the risk of faith, and to rely on the love God has for you – that He will guide you and direct you – that He’s got you covered and you don’t need to worry? Are you willing to receive the rest Jesus has promised you? (Matthew 11:28-30) “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from youselves, it is a GIFT of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Receiving His Amazing Grace,
Pastor Tom
