Grace Cheapened

Today’s Thought Grace Cheapened G. Ward

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35

There are absolutes found only in the words from Holy God. His guarantees are the claimants most regarded by His people, in that they serve as gentle reminders that our guidance is given by the Sufficient One (cf. Ps.148:13, Isa.37:16).

Knowing all the promises of God can be devoid of the holistic contingency in any passage. For example, great and mighty things have been the pronounced word unto Israel numerous times, however, when we read it, we fail to discover the reciprocity for Holy God’s people to adhere towards (we merely want to place claimants on the great and mighty things, cf.Dt.28).

God’s love for us certainly is unwavering, but there is a cost associated (Eph.2:8-10); it’s called true surrender unto the Master.  Relinquishing a mindset (that would lead to traditional activity) of old is absolutely essential (Ro.12:2). Ultimately, faith requires total submission unto the Owner. Defense mechanisms stated like “no one is perfect,” or “we’re still in the flesh” is not warranted (Mt.5:48). We’re called to truer diligence (2 Ti.2:15, Heb.11:6). “You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers” (1 Timothy 4:6-10 The Message). Happy Wednesday!