When I started going to Community College, almost twenty years after high school graduation, I wasn’t sure how I would relate to the other, mostly younger, students. I had become a follower of Jesus and knew I was called to witness to the truth of God, but I knew my primary purpose there wasn’t to evangelize.
On the day I wrote this journal entry I was mostly just enjoying time with the Lord and thinking about His grace on me. One of my favorite definitions of grace is ‘God’s divine influence on my heart causing me to respond in a Christ-like manner.’ Another good one is ‘Grace is giving me what I don’t deserve and mercy is withholding what I do deserve.’ Knowing there is no way I can earn my salvation brings much freedom! It’s a gift from God that I can’t earn or pay back.
From the journal . . . . September 1992
This is my last day before school starts. Jesus, thank You for this time. Solidify in me the gifts You’ve given me, especially the gift of grace that You give to all Your people! The freedom in that is so good.
And I Believe God Said:
Tell people about My grace and My love. Some will listen, some will scoff. The message is one of peace. I died for all people. If they would dare to believe the good news, they would be free. I will give to all who ask. You must tell those you talk to.
Ps 71:15-16 My mouth will tell of Your righteous deeds,
of Your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim Your righteous deeds, Yours alone. NIV
Mark: 5:18-19 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. NLT
John 3:16“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Christians aren’t impressive, the gospel is. The church appears flawed to the world. Many believe that the example to give the world is one of Christian character. That’s why Christians are labeled `hypocrite’.
(The implication is that the Christians don’t display Christ-like behavior.)
Speak of My grace. You’ve been changed on the inside. Kind examples are good, but where would you be without My grace? Emphasize My actions. Preach the good news. Salvation is free.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
And His grace is free as well!!
I’ve spent a good deal of time and energy trying to be a good example for others, which isn’t a bad thing, but honestly, I sometimes forget to proclaim this very message of His grace and power to save us. It’s not about me being nice or kind or morally righteous. It’s always been about Him. The end of a modern hymn says,
“I will not boast in anything. No gift, no power, nor wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection.” *
1 Cor 2:22. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. NIV
* How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. Written and composed by Stuart Townend
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Amen mum. Thanks for that. I too often try to figure if I look different than unbelievers in my reactions and such to things, but ultimately – although God is working on me – I’m saved by grace and no better than anyone else.
Amen Brian! We don’t always recognized what wretches we are. But indeed, He died to save a wretch like me, even though I often forget that I am indeed a wretch.