Grace Empowered Life! (part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we noted the power of the GRACE OF GOD to bring about change in our life. Does it also empower our life activity as well? There are varying things that can motivate us in life. Fear can cause us to run faster than ever imagined. Genuine concern can motivate us to do whatever it takes to seek out, connect and fulfill a need. Love can make us work harder and longer than any wage paying job could ever do. Have we experienced any of that? But what about GRACE? Is the GRACE OF GOD having that same impact in our life? It seems to have in the life of Paul?

In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth he wrote. . .
"(9) For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (10) But BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I AM, and HIS GRACE TOWARD ME WAS NOT IN VAIN. On the contrary, I WORKED HARDER THAN ANY OF THEM, though it was NOT I, BUT THE GRACE OF GOD THAT IS WITH ME." ( 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 ESV)

Paul did not view the GRACE OF GOD lightly. It empowered his life to work hard. It energized his efforts on behalf of others. Paul knew without a doubt how undeserving he was of the GRACE OF GOD. Now, isn't that what grace is all about; not what is earned or merited, but rather what is graciously provided? If it were deserved it would not be grace! Paul had such an appreciation for the GRACE OF GOD he worked endlessly so that others could be the recipients of that same gift He had received. Though we might marvel at what a great servant of God Paul became, his humble acknowledgment was not that he was such a hard worker, but that the GRACE OF GOD was hard at work in Him and energized his ministry on behalf of others. Such living also revealed how much Paul appreciated the GRACE OF GOD.

Is the power of the GRACE OF GOD at work in and through us in such a way? When we understand what the GRACE OF GOD is all about, we too will be energized by it! Empowered by His grace, we will find ourselves thinking less of our own interests and more about the interests of the One Who has provided that grace. The GRACE OF GOD is an expression of His genuine interest in our life and that interest is to be exercised on behalf of others. Therefore, like Paul, may we also allow the GRACE OF GOD to be hard at work in our own life! Energized by the GRACE OF GOD we will keep giving and going and growing! To Him be the glory and praise!

Have a great day OF GRACE ENERGIZED LIVING!
Carl

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