TRANSFORMED BY GRACE
God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
Have you ever been to a restaurant that has a small book for a menu? To me, that is overwhelming. When I went to the Cheesecake Factory, I spent more time stressing over figuring out what to order than I ever have at a restaurant! Now, imagine what the people in the Old Testament must have felt when they were given 613 laws to keep. I think it’s safe to say they felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with them all. There is a big difference between religion and grace. Religion believes the lie that my performance, good or bad, dictates how God feels about me. As followers of Jesus, we are transformed by grace, which says because Jesus died our death, we can live His life! You don’t have to worry about your performance because you have been saved and transformed by grace. This is the truth that sets you free.
I love how it says in the verse above that you are God’s masterpiece. Think about it: appliances are mass-produced, but a masterpiece is hand-made. You have been transformed by grace, and God considers His children masterpieces. God sees you as a masterpiece, no matter what you think about yourself or what your parents, boss, or friends think of you. This is the power of grace! Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. When you follow Jesus, you aren’t just forgiven. You are a son and daughter of God who’s been given the Kingdom. Your performance doesn’t determine your position… grace does. Live into your identity today!
Grace transforms us away from performance and away from pride. It’s God’s grace alone that makes us sons and daughters. The more we start to understand this, the more it sets us free. Free to live for Him and enjoy His love. It frees us to return to God when we make mistakes because we know that grace has the final word!
APPLICATION: Live from grace, and not your performance, today!
PRAYER: Spend some time sitting and thanking God for His grace. Thank Him for mercy that doesn't punish us for our sins; also, thank Him for grace, which makes us sons and daughters of God. The more you understand grace, the more you desire to please God because you have been set free. Ask God to help you grasp how deep and wide the love and grace of God is today!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?