The Incredible blessing of Biblical grace begins with a simple understanding. You don’t earn or deserve it. But it’s a gift.
However, when you accept the gift of grace. Embrace it. And purposefully invite it into your worldview, it transforms your life. And the positive impact you have on others. Here’s how.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Comes From God
God is the author of grace. The idea originator. It’s something He doesn’t have to offer. But does anyway simply because He wants to.
I step towards Biblical grace by recognizing that God is completely perfect, holy and righteous. And I am the exact opposite. Imperfect, unholy and unrighteous. I fall way short of God’s standard.
And here’s what’s really incredible. God loves me anyway. And cleared a path for me with Grace. Through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Grace rejects the idea of what I can do. And celebrates what God has done.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Sets You Free
People today are in incredible bondage. It’s everywhere you look. In the rage. The fear. And driven by a sense of hopeless desperation.
So what’s gripping you? Because it’s different for everyone. Maybe politics. Porn. A job. Finances. And of course, the list goes on. So fill in the blank.
Because there are real problems that must be addressed. And no, God might not magically make everything better. Poof!
But grace provides freedom. Because bondage isn’t always something that only grips you.
Bondage can be something you’re holding on to.
And this is why grace is so powerful. Where God encourages and reassures. And He says simply. “Relax. I’ve got this. You can let it go.”
That’s when you fall into God’s arms. Are washed in peace. Filled with joy. And you discover the truth that sets you free.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Is Meant To Be Shared
The most wonderful thing about Biblical Grace is that you and I can share it with someone else. It’s what God expects. What everyone wants. And needs.
To be able to say, “yes, I know you’re imperfect. Me too. And since God has offered me this incredible gift, I share it with you too.
Grace gives others the benefit of the doubt. And step away from judging and condemning others. Because that’s God’s job anyway. And someday, I will have my turn too.
And when I am gracious to others, I imitate God. Which furthers the Kingdom of God. And in a sense, offers it back to God.
Where Biblical Grace is Shared Peace Prevails
Grace has a calming affect. It relieves the pressure of performance. I can strive for perfection while knowing I’ll never attain it. And that’s okay.
Even though I’ll keep striving for it. Not because I’m trying to earn anything. But because I am experiencing the incredible blessing of Biblical grace. And I’m motivated by gratitude.
Grace puts me at peace with God. Which promotes peace with others. And transforms where change is most impactful. In the heart. And from the inside out.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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My father’s first sermon was delivered at the Bowery Mission in New York City. He began with a rhetorical question: “Would you rather be wise or foolish?” Unfortunately for him, one of the inebriated attendees shouted out his answer from the back of the room: “Foolish!”
Thankfully, readers of this newsletter would opt for wise. But like so many things of value, wisdom is not acquired simply as the result of passing time. Wisdom takes work.
Wisdom Building Statistical Strategies
Most of us have strategies that are statistically successful. That is, they work more often than not.
One of my statistically successful strategies is taking the words of clients seriously. When a client says, “I’m really struggling to develop a vision for the next three years of this organization,” I don’t respond, “I’m sure you’re doing fine. You’ve always come up with a clear vision that has motivated your organization to success.”
Instead I ask…
“Why do you think you’re struggling? You’ve always done well with crafting vision in the past. What has changed?”
Another statistically successful strategy has been speaking directly about issues to people. “You say you want to spend more time with your family, but you seem to draw meaning almost entirely from your work. What will motivate you to change your current behaviors?”
Both strategies have failed.
One of my favorite examples was lunch with the CFO of a multinational corporation. He asked me, “Stephen, what motivates you? What is it that you are seeking to achieve?” Without hesitation I responded, “My mission is to free people to be themselves.”
About five minutes later, my lunch companion remarked, “Reflecting back on your comment about freeing people to be themselves, I can assure you that as CFO I have absolutely no interest in seeing that happen.”
Each of us has strengths and statistically successful strategies that arise from our personality and gifting. They come naturally. We don’t have to work at them or even think consciously about employing them. They flow from us. It could be listening, encouraging, evaluating, critiquing, directing, advising, motivating, or any of 1,000 additional gifts.
Wisdom Building Through Natural, Non-Conscious Strengths And Gifts
Wisdom comes when we take these natural, nonconscious strengths and gifts and begin to consciously shape their expression.
By modifying these statistically successful strategies to be even more successful. We learn to read our audience, understand the context, consider the timing, and thereby modify what comes naturally. Take the nonconscious and make it conscious. Make the statistically successful even more productive. It becomes a super-strength.
This requires thought, effort, and nuance. This requires work.
It may also require humility as we learn from others who advise us how to be more successful in the expression of our strengths.
How do I become wise? I read my clients and understand that they don’t intend for their words to be taken seriously in this context. I recognize that directness would not be appropriate at this time.
Where can you move from statistically successful strategy to wisdom? Move from natural strength and gifting to super-strength? Are you willing to invest the energy, the work, required for this transformation? Are you willing to accept input from those around you?
Let those around you observe in your behavior that you are shouting, “I want to be wise!”
About:
Dr. Stephen Julian is President of Julian Consulting, a firm specializing in team health, effective communication, and leadership development. He has worked with leaders and their teams for nearly 30 years in a variety of settings – including Africa, South and Central America.
There’s a difference between Virtue Signaling and Biblical virtue. But they share one thing in common. Both show a desire for righteousness.
And that’s good. Because it confirms a shared sense of morality. An understanding of right and wrong. Good and evil. And that our human goodness should please someone.
I believe that someone to please is an absolute, righteous God. Although you might say it’s about pleasing other people. Which is also true.
But here are four differences between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue.
The Difference Between Virtue Signaling And Biblical Virtue is One Glorifies Yourself And The Other Glorifies God
Virtue Signaling is a moral goodness, pat yourself on the back. It proclaims my support of a worthy cause, behavior or group. And casts judgment on those who aren’t on board.
It lifts me up by lowering others.
Don’t we all just love to pile on with “me too” frenzy when public figures commit despicable acts? And feel better about ourselves since we are not like that.
Biblical virtue, however, focuses on God’s goodness.
Why? Because the Bible says I’m a sinner. And my goodness is really not all that good. And my righteousness falls way short of God’s standard.
The Difference Between Virtue Signaling And Biblical Virtue is One Is Driven By Pride And The Other Humility
Virtue signaling says look at me. See how moral I am? How righteous? Except the Bible calls this self-righteousness. Because it’s really pride in disguise. And a humble brag of moral superiority.
And ultimately, virtue signaling leads to the sin Jesus regularly condemned. Hypocrisy.
Because as sinners, we all commit moral failures.
And yet, God offers forgiveness. Which makes me thankful. Because He freely gives me what I can’t earn. And it fills me with a desire to imitate the humility demonstrated by Jesus.
Comparing To Other People Versus Comparing To Jesus Christ
The difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue is that virtue signaling compares to other people. And Biblical virtue compares to Jesus Christ.
And have you noticed? Virtue signaling compares down.
It looks for someone messing up more than me. Because there’s always someone…somewhere…at some time…morally messing up more than me. I just carefully pick the right one.
And I say carefully, because in some moral areas, I might be someone else’s pick.
Jesus models the righteousness I should pursue. Even though I’ll never reach his level. Because Jesus was God in human form. And perfect. And I’m not.
But I press on. Striving for a Godly righteousness I won’t fully attain. And following the one who did.
Condemnation And Shame Versus Grace
The difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue is virtue signaling is about condemnation. And Biblical virtue is about grace. The first sings my praises. The second praises God.
Because we all break God’s law. Are on the same, sinful playing field. And no one is better than anyone else.
And yet, God offers everyone grace. So we should offer it to others as well. Along with understanding. Compassion. And truth.
I understand the reason for virtue signaling. Without absolute standards, you can only measure your moral goodness by comparison.
But it’s always a shooting target. And never satisfying. The Bible however, provides God’s standard for righteousness. Tells us why it’s important. And how to attain it.
When you embrace the difference between virtue signaling and Biblical virtue. It will make a big difference in your life.
What if heaven is real? It’s a question you’ve probably asked. We all have. And maybe you’ve reached a satisfying conclusion. Or you’re still weighing on it. Or perhaps, simply choosing not to think about it. At least, until you have to.
But if heaven is real, then it means something to the here and now. And should impact your life in some manner. So if heaven is real, then here are three things for you to consider.
If Heaven Is Real It Should Give You A Positive Perspective On Life
Life is full of questions. Some we can answer, some we can’t. And what happens after we die…if anything…is the greatest, unsolved mystery of all. It weighs on us. Unsettles us. Even haunts us. Especially as the end of life draws closer.
And despite all our scientific achievements. Life enduring medical breakthroughs. Technological advancements. End of life is always there. Waiting. And the question of “what’s next?” teases us like a fishing lure, trolling always just out of reach.
But if heaven is real, the question is answered, the mystery solved and the issue settled. Well, maybe not completely settled. You still have to figure out the entrance requirements.
Also, when things in life go haywire, you have something to cling to. Look forward to. An attitude game changer and eternal perspective that eases life’s burdens.
And you possess one of the most powerful, motivating forces on earth. Hope.
If Heaven Is Real You Should Pay Attention To What Jesus Said About It
As a matter of fact, heaven is mentioned in fifty-four books of the Bible. And Jesus discusses it around 70 times just in the book of Matthew. Not like it’s a fantasy or wishful thinking. But like it’s real. Like he’s been there. And making sure it’s ready for us too.
Furthermore, he describes it and the path to get there. And makes it sound like a really cool place to spend eternity. He describes another not so cool place to spend eternity too. But let’s stay on topic.
Then again. Will we sit on clouds playing harps? Probably not. Besides, sounds boring anyway.
Most likely, heaven is about relationships. Living with Jesus. And in harmony with other people. You get the sense there’s purpose and meaning to life in heaven. Also, I’m hopeful golf might still be a thing, but we’ll see.
If Heaven Is Real It Should Give You A Sense of Mission
However, first make sure you understand the entrance requirements and that you qualify. The real qualifications surprise a lot of people. Especially if you think they involve doing enough good things to outweigh the bad. That’s a popular cultural idea not found in the Bible.
And now, you should have a mission of utmost importance. Not to mention eternal significance. How many people can you take with you?
After all. You’re not going to keep this incredible news to yourself are you? Spend eternity with a bunch of strangers? Because you want your family and friends with you too, right?
So, tell them the good news. Urge them to join you. Convince and take along as many people as you can. They will become your greatest reward. You know, treasures in heaven.
Can you think of any better happily ever after story than that?
There are three practices that lead to success. Okay, probably more than three. But I think these three are really important. And yes, I know. We all define success differently. And we’re all pursuing different endeavors of success.
Perhaps it’s getting in shape, earning a degree, career advancement, or simply accumulating wealth.
For me, as a Christ-follower, my relationship with God is important. But even that doesn’t just happen. Like other relationships, it requires a commitment and investment of time.
Whatever the endeavor—whether it’s cultivating your spiritual relationship with God, advancing in your career, or losing weight, these three practices will drive you towards success.
Practice Self-Discipline For Success
Once you know what you’re trying to accomplish and the path to get there you have to stay on that path.
Consistently. Regularly. Habitually.
Feelings are not your friend in achieving success. But self-discipline is. Feelings will try to dissuade you from your endeavor. Because they seek pleasure and comfort. “Oh, come on,” they’ll say. “You can skip this one time. You just don’t feel like it today.”
In my own life, I maintain a daily, work-out schedule. If I let my feelings rule, I’d stay at home and drink coffee half the time. So I don’t. Let them rule, that is.
Self-discipline engages your will over your feelings. Because, whatever the endeavor, success requires putting in the work.
This means developing routines and habits that move you the direction you want to go. And sticking with them. Because success rarely happens overnight. It requires time and effort.
Practice Making One-Time Decisions For Success
A powerful companion to maintaining self-discipline is learning to make one-time decisions.
Tell me. When you get up in the morning do you spend any time deciding whether or not you will go to work?
Of course not. You have to go to work…to earn a living…to pay your bills. A decision to go to work doesn’t even cross your mind. Unless you’re sick or have other extenuating circumstance. Why? Because you already made the decision that you will go to work. And you only had to make that decision once.
So what if you employed this one-time decision technique to other areas of your life? And the answer is, you can. Probably in more areas than you think.
And when it’s dark, cold and snowy outside and your feelings whine, “I don’t feel like exercising today,” you simply respond, “Sorry, I already made that decision. I’m going.” (I’m assuming, like me you live in the Midwest where it is currently winter. Please don’t say anything if you live in a warm, tropical climate because I hate you.)
Practice Persistence For Success
There are stories of people who win the lottery and are instantly rich. Or write their first novel and it’s an immediate best seller.
But for most of us, we try and fail multiple times. Practice, practice and practice. Pay our dues. We hang in there and keep trying until, finally we gain positive results.
Did you know?
Stephen King’s highly successful book, Carrie, was rejected by 30 publishers.
Thomas Edison’s teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything.
Colonel Sanders was 62, when he pitched his chicken recipe to restaurants and reports say 1,009 people rejected him.
The point is, success usually takes time and often includes failure. So keep that in mind and put these three practices to work to achieve your success.
This has the potential to get pastors fired for following Jesus’ example. It will confuse anyone who sees me as a Christian apologist, and apologetics as being in the business of giving answers. The fact is I believe we need more unanswered questions. Pastors in particular need to leave more questions unanswered.
There are (at least) five reasons this is true. Jesus set the example, as seen best in the book of John.
To Follow Jesus’ Example
Jesus’ first words in that gospel are a question: “What are you seeking?” This introductory statement to Nathaniel provokes sheer confusion. His mother asks him to help with the wine in Cana, and he asks her a most surprising question. He bewilders the Jews in Jerusalem by telling them he will raise up “this temple” in three days. Nicodemus offers him the honor of recognizing he came from God, and Jesus says, “You must be born again.” What?
He puzzles the woman at the well with an offer of living water. Asks Philip (a native of that region) where they can buy bread to feed thousands (again, What?). Drives off the multitude with truly incomprehensible teachings about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, and then he questions his close followers, “Will you leave, too?” And confuses the Jews by telling them where he is going they cannot come.
And so it continues.
I could point to similar tactics of our Lord in the Synoptics. His Beatitudes leave at least as many questions open as they answer. He explains his parables only to a few (Matthew 13). When the Jews ask him where he gets his authority, he asks them whether John’s baptism is from heaven or from men.
To Prepare Ears To Hear
Of course I do not mean to say that Jesus never answered anyone’s questions, or never followed through to satisfy hearers concerning the questions he raised. It was always a matter of timing and and of sensitivity to the Spirit and his audience. The unifying principle is this: he gave answers to those who were ready to hear. (“Let him who has ears to hear…”)
The rest he goaded toward readiness by stimulating their curiosity, provoking dissatisfaction with where they were, and refusing to inoculate them with half-received truths.
When Jesus taught…
Even the Sermon on the Mount, for all its simple clarity, must have provoked considerable consternation when he gave it. It certainly does that for me. There are places in it where I have trouble understanding just what he meant, and I have to dig in hard to figure it out; and other places where I have more trouble yet understanding how I can live up to it. It is not a sermon meant to satisfy on the surface.
To Accomplish Your Real Purpose
Of course this is a problematical model to follow. I can’t remember the last sermon that left me wondering what?, the way Jesus’ messages so often did. Or how any pastor could keep his job doing what Jesus did, for it is the pastor’s job to provide answers, isn’t it?
No, it is the pastor’s job to lead the flock toward richness of life and service in Christ.
To Do the Questions Justice
Often this means turning us, their listeners, away from habits or beliefs that lead toward death. The difficulty there is that it means leading us to change, which few of us will do as long as our current ways seem to be working for us.
Answers soothe. Unanswered questions rankle. They throw us off balance. The right questions may just jostle us out of our conditions of comfort so that we can see what’s not really working for us after all. Some can help us see the distance between who we think we are (Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel, for example) and who we really are (spiritually ignorant and confused, in his case).
Why open questions?
One reason to leave some questions open is because even a sermon-length answer may be too short to do them justice. Some questions are hard. Compressing answers into thirty minutes, intro and illustrations included, may well be misleading; and the more serious thinkers in the congregation will know it. They may even start to wonder whether all of Christianity is equally superficial. This applies equally to questions of intellect and of application, by the way.
To Answer the Questions They’re Really Asking
I am of course an apologist, one whose business it is to understand and to communicate answers. I could dream (if I dared) of the day when my wisdom was so manifest that every answer I gave was unquestioned. Alas, that won’t happen: it didn’t happen even to Jesus!
There is another sort of unquestioned answer, though, that happens in thousands of churches every Sunday: it is the answer given by preachers to un-questions. Teachers explain how to be more like Christ when congregations are not asking.
Pastors teach how to show God’s Kingdom love in their communities, when no one is wondering. And the people walk away with answers, never having felt any urgency to know, or any deep need to practice.
This may have happened to Jesus, too, but by his teaching technique he always strove to prevent it.
When To Answer After All
A leader’s questions can also encourage followers to ask questions, which is often the very best thing for us. How can we understand better without probing deeper?
Which leads to the point at which the pastor/teacher really must be prepared to supply answers: when the people are finally asking — when they desperately need to know.
Too often this happens only when life causes pain. “Why, oh God?” is the most frequently articulated question of them all, followed by, “How will I make it through this?” These are fine questions; the Psalms are replete with them. But they are not the only ones, and not always the most important. They do tend quite reliably to be expressed when they need to be.
Not all questions are. There are many that we should be asking but usually don’t. “How can I truly be more like Christ?” or “What would God have us do to show his Kingdom love in this community?”
More Unanswered Questions
I suspect — I hope! — this has raised a lot of questions for you. One of them, I’m sure, is how it would be received if you shifted to following Jesus’ pattern by leaving more questions unanswered.
But of course I must close with a question of my own: Can you imagine what it would be like to teach your answers to a congregation that was ready and eager for them?
About:
Tom Gilson is senior editor and columnist with The Stream. He’s published over 700 articles and several books including his most recent, Too Good to Be False.
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