Earning Grace

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 21

Gold Nugget

Verse 3: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Commentary

We cannot earn salvation through our good deeds and works, and yet we violate the fullness of this truth on a regular basis. Maybe even more so, for those of us who understand this truth the most. Many of us, who have laid hold, and hold fast to the “we cannot earn grace” doctrine, violate its purpose by walking in "somewhat alignment" with His Word. I’ve seen people that have walked with the Lord - turn and take a vacation from the principles and even boundaries that He established in their lives. They feel like their repeated prior obedience has earned them some leeway. This is grace that they think they have earned.

This is not only common and horribly wrong, but is embraced by many of us that hold fast to the fact that “we cannot earn grace”. We are using one side of the truth. The truth that is convenient for us. Our impressive run of obedience, our many charities and sacrifices have not earned us grace or wiggle room concerning God’s precepts. Remember what Samuel told Saul, “…has the Lord as great delight in sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” God would have us to walk in continued obedience without considering how it relates to our streak of obedience.

Prayer

Lord, I too often lean on my past victories and sacrifices in order to justify a break in sticking to your commands and expectations. This is nothing other than expecting that I have earned grace. For that Lord, I repent. I accept your forgiveness and will strive to walk upright before you. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/