The Humbling Power of God’s Grace
As Christians, we can confidently declare with the apostle Paul, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10). But what does this really mean? Is God’s grace simply a free pass to live life as we please? Unfortunately, this is a common misconception about God’s grace.
A Misunderstood Concept
Paul’s statement is often misunderstood as a license to sin, but he quickly clarifies that God’s grace is not a excuse for laziness or complacency. Instead, he says, “And his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). This shows that God’s grace is not just a gift, but a powerful motivator that inspires us to work hard and strive for excellence.
No Room for Pride
Because everything we achieve is by the grace of God, there is no room for pride in the Christian life. As Spurgeon so eloquently puts it, “When we put our foot upon the threshold of glory, and pass through the gate of pearl to the golden pavement of the heavenly city, the last step will be as much taken through the grace of God, as was the first step when we turned unto our great Father in our rags and misery.” We are completely dependent on God’s grace for our spiritual lives, just as we are dependent on oxygen for our physical lives.
A Call to Humility
The Scriptures repeatedly warn us that God’s grace should inspire humility, thankfulness, and praise. Paul reminds the Corinthians, “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. 4:7). We must recognize that every gift, talent, and achievement comes from God, and respond with gratitude and humility.
Living in Dependence on God’s Grace
Apart from God’s grace, our best efforts are like filthy rags before a holy God (Isa. 64:6). But because of His grace, we can be confident that He will find and create in us what is pleasing to Him. Just as the air sustains us physically, God’s grace sustains us spiritually. And if God showed grace to His beloved Son, who was made like us in every way except without sin, then how much more do we need His grace?
Conclusion
As we reflect on the humbling power of God’s grace, let us remember that every aspect of our lives depends on His mercy and kindness. May we respond with gratitude, humility, and a deepening dependence on His grace, which alone can sustain us spiritually.
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