Grow in Grace

What does it mean to grow in grace? Not that I am expert on such things but I have come to believe that this is one of best invitations that God offers.

I do not think grace is natural to us. I think trying real hard is natural. And yet to grow in grace I think is to progressively live in the wonder that I am redeemed, forgiven, adored by God’s free choice. It is letting the weight of His magnificent, extravagant, generosity shape my life with Him. It is living performance free. Obedience is no longer obligation is to get God to “bless” or to avoid bad consequences, it is an expression of love between Father and son.

Kingdoms

I was talking with a friend the other day about history. I was reminded that all earthly kingdoms tend to follow a pattern of rise and fall. The U.S. is no different.

Though a history major myself I had forgotten this enviable pattern. I thought of Augustus in Rome declaring a new world order (actually used the Greek word ‘gospel’) and how the Roman peace would last forever. Right. It made me think of our own history of how this government “of the people, by the people, for the people will never perish from the earth”. Next….


In almost the same instant I realized afresh Jesus’ emphasis on the kingdom of God, the rule of God that survives all earthly kingdoms. I thought of the verse in Isaiah, which promised the government would be on His shoulders. The promise of His coming gave me pause to reflect and refocus.

I am to relate to this world as the son of another world. I am to walk with Him and follow Him as a fisher of men. I am to seek first the kingdom.