Galatians 5:13. For you were called to Freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh;
One of the things that sets Christianity apart from other religions is GRACE. What an amazingly magical word that, sadly, most Christians don’t even understand. Lewis referred to it as “Deeper Magic” in the Chronicles of Narnia. It’s just so hard to comprehend, mainly because it’s simply not fair. Unwisely, most of us want to be treated fairly, because we foolishly think that if we are treated fairly, we will get a better deal. I tell you, that if we were dealt with based on what’s fair, we would all be going to Hell, because that’s what we deserve. That’s what’s fair.
I thank God that He deals with me on the basis of Grace. My brokenness is no surprise to Him and His grace gives me the freedom grow in Christ, without the fear of rejection. Truly His love covers a multitude of sin. Christ is not afraid to commit Himself to imperfect, scandalized people whose hearts belong to Him.
Ah, that is the catch. Many people who celebrate the Grace of God don’t seem to get it. Many Christians some how think that Grace means it doesn’t matter what you do, because God is going to still love you even when you blow it. That, thank God is true, but that doesn’t mean that God deals with everybody the same regardless of what you do. David was an imperfect man who failed terribly, yet Jesus is not ashamed to sit on David’s throne forever. God is not ashamed to identify with David. The Lord didn’t just keep loving David, He continued to bless and use him, yet he did pay a serious and unnecessary price for his sin which he had to live with all of his life. There was something about David that set Him apart; he was a man after God’s own heart. Acts 13:22 explains that by saying “He was willing to do all of God’s will.” He didn’t always do that obviously, but it was his constant desire. When he failed he was extremely repentant, i.e.Psalm51.
There are those out there that think when they deliberately choose to not do the clear will of God, that everything will be fine because God is Love and full of Grace. That is a dangerous deception from the enemy and it reveals the true nature of where their heart actually is. God can’t bless open rebellion or act as if obedience, as the ultimate expression of love toward Him, doesn’t matter. When we choose to disobey, it means we love that thing more than we love Him. It breaks His heart for our disobedience to limit His favor, blessing, and protection in our lives but, He is willing to pull the hedge back in hope that He can’t ultimately capture our unfaithful hearts. This is the story of Hosea. Will He still love you? Praise God yes, but He can’t do for you all he longs to do. That is so tragic, because He longs to do so much for you, because He does love you so much.
Have a great day. Let’s not just say we love Him, let’s live like it. He has proven that He deserves it. Let’s be a people that wants to, out of love for Him, obey Him more than anything in this world. ANYTHING.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore Him: the Lord is His Name!
Low at His feet lay thy burden of carefulness,
High on His heart He will bear it for thee,
And comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
Fear not to enter His courts in the slenderness
Of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine;
For truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
These are the offerings to lay on His shrine.
These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
He will accept for the Name that is dear;
Mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
Trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore Him: the Lord is His Name!