Where Does Grace Go?
Theologically speaking, Grace is the Game Changer of the Christian Faith. It is one of the Quintessential Key Distinctives of the Christian Faith. The fact that while we absolutely deserve nothing from God, he extends and offers himself to us, even in our darkest and most desperate state…that changes everything.
There’s infinitely more to say here about the Reality of Grace. We could spend a lifetime…and all of Eternity. But the point of this post is not to explore the Definition of Grace, but the Destination.
- When it comes to the idea of a Holy and Perfect God offering his life and love to you and I…
- When it comes to the idea of Sin being Forgiven…
- When it comes to the idea of Grace…
Where Does it go?
For most people the Reality of Grace tends to occupy one of three destinations
- The Head
- The Heart
- The Hands
The Head – You understand the concept, can probably even communicate it well, but have a harder time fully receiving it and offering it to others. You have probably been going to church for a very long time.
The Heart – You have no problem receiving it but live largely unaware of the cost, the price, the sacrifice of Grace. Grace is also something you have no problem experiencing for yourself, but tend to keep it for yourself.
The Hands – You love helping people, serving people, making sure everyone else is taken care of, but it is often a subtle attempt to “earn” grace” which by it’s very definition can not be earned.
God’s ultimate desire for you is that you would Understand, Experience, and Extend His Grace as freely as you have received it from God. That’s how you were created to live, but the reality is, many of us don’t.
So, where does Grace go with you? Head. Heart. Hands Where do you sense God is inviting you to experience his Grace more in this season? What do you need to do about it?
Matt E.
Nice post. That's true. I think that when grace really gets into our hearts (through the mind), it more or less naturally comes out in the form of love and service to others.
Sep 24, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
lebecca
the destination of choice for me is typically my head. i realize i don't deserve it, i'm even grateful for it. but it can become "old hat" and i can tend to lose sight of the enormity of what it means in my life…the way i think, act and feel. and yes, you are right…i have been going to church for a loooooonnnngggg time.
Sep 24, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
Katie
I’m ashamed to admit that it goes to my head. I know all the right words. And I believe them in my heart, but I think sometimes I leave my heart out of the picture or there is a disconnect between the two of them. I most fully understand and experience God’s grace when I see it at work or hear of it at work in the lives of others. Not sure that’s a good thing.
Sep 24, 2009 @ 10:28 pm