The grace of God is defined as:
My life is defined by this grace: from the moment of birth, through God’s pursuit of my soul, to my decision to follow Jesus, right up to the moment I take my last breath. And yet as a believer, I can jump off the grace train and get on board with works; it’s not long before I find myself exhausted and empty. The grateful heart is abandoned for one of arrogance that says, “I can get it right. I am the source of my own goodness.” Godliness can be found in the life that worships God whereas, self righteousness is the hard hearted state of self worship.
When I understand the ugliness of my sin and then find myself to be the object of God’s fierce love, I want more of him and mysteriously, am changed. I may find myself slipping away at times, but the arms of God are long and reach out to embrace.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… Titus 2:11-13.
Paul understands the dance between grace and godliness. As a follower of Jesus, grace takes the hand of godliness and leads me right to the Father’s will:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship created in christ Jesus to do good works, which god prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10.
Lord, thank you for the grace you have given me today. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of you and focusing on my own dance steps. Help me to hold tight to your hand and trust your leading. May I wonder at your invitation to dance and enjoy the security of your embrace. Amen.
klueh
Sixty-six books in a year 