July 29, 2015
There is something compelling about rags to riches stories; especially those in which a wealthy benefactor plays a key role. Such is our story.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)
This side of the kingdom, we’ll never fully grasp what our great benefactor, God our Father, has done for us through His Son. When we least deserved it, and needed it most, He lifted us up from our desperate situation. Dead in our sinful ways, He resurrected us, figuratively, in and through His Son, and figuratively seated us in the elevated position of His Son. And this so that He might display His unfathomable grace and mercy to us in the Age To Come.
Being reminded of this phenomenal rags to riches story about us is vital in providing proper motivation. A common accusation leveled at the church and Christianity is that it is about guilt motivation to force compliance to a list of do’s and don’ts. Ultimately, these tactics are ineffective as well as unbiblical. A far more compelling motivation is a deep appreciation of what has been, is, and will be done for us. How can we not be all in for the One who is all in for us?
The more we treasure His incomparable grace in Christ, the more we desire to abound in faithful lifestyle and generous service. The gift of grace, not guilt, is the great motivating factor.
I find it much too easy to become a spoiled brat rather than an appreciative heir. If there is a problem with God’s grace, it is that I don’t value it enough. And I suspect you are not immune to the same problem. So, let’s take some time today to just savor His rich grace. And, from heartfelt gratitude, may we live and serve more abundantly and generously than ever before.
Blessing on your day, highly privileged one.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)
This side of the kingdom, we’ll never fully grasp what our great benefactor, God our Father, has done for us through His Son. When we least deserved it, and needed it most, He lifted us up from our desperate situation. Dead in our sinful ways, He resurrected us, figuratively, in and through His Son, and figuratively seated us in the elevated position of His Son. And this so that He might display His unfathomable grace and mercy to us in the Age To Come.
Being reminded of this phenomenal rags to riches story about us is vital in providing proper motivation. A common accusation leveled at the church and Christianity is that it is about guilt motivation to force compliance to a list of do’s and don’ts. Ultimately, these tactics are ineffective as well as unbiblical. A far more compelling motivation is a deep appreciation of what has been, is, and will be done for us. How can we not be all in for the One who is all in for us?
The more we treasure His incomparable grace in Christ, the more we desire to abound in faithful lifestyle and generous service. The gift of grace, not guilt, is the great motivating factor.
I find it much too easy to become a spoiled brat rather than an appreciative heir. If there is a problem with God’s grace, it is that I don’t value it enough. And I suspect you are not immune to the same problem. So, let’s take some time today to just savor His rich grace. And, from heartfelt gratitude, may we live and serve more abundantly and generously than ever before.
Blessing on your day, highly privileged one.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:48 AM
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