God's Free Gift

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:1-9, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
As a young child, I learned early on through chores and allowances, homework and good grades that achievement brought accolades. I heard things like: "Oh, you ate all of your peas—Good boy!" "You made an A in spelling—I'm so proud of you!" "You hit a home run—You're the best!"

We all learn this one way or another. “A full day’s work for a full day’s pay.” Much of Western culture is based on work and rewards. If we’re not careful, our identities can be forged in this alchemy: We become what we do, and we are what we earn. Before we know it, our titles, diplomas, portfolios, roles, responsibilities, salaries, homes, and possessions begin to define us. We’ve worked hard to earn them, but they end up owning us. 

Grace throws open the shutters of this airless existence. Grace is God’s free gift to those burned out on the enslavement of a works-reward existence. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father,” says Paul. In other words, rich blessings, free of charge, to you who lay down your exhausted efforts and simply trust in Jesus Christ. Paul thanks God always for this grace given in Jesus, this enrichment without effort, this generous gifting, this faithful strengthening that comes from God’s sheer kindness—and not our earnest, anxious striving. 

Grace challenges our self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Grace tells us to quit clutching onto our discipline and hard work to gain and secure our identity. Grace forces us to lay down the burden of performance and perfectionism. Grace turns our grimaces into grins, as we realize God loves us and embraces us in the work of his Son, Jesus Christ. 


POINT TO PONDER:
In what areas are you striving for reward, even God’s reward? How does grace challenge or comfort you? Discuss these things with God.


WHO AM I?
I am Tres Sansom, and I so grateful for God's grace! The performance-based life is death. Grace is the way to Life—abundant, full, and free! Thanks be to God for the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).