|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18a, ESV).
The Bible teaches general grace for everyone, and we must grow in this grace. The Bible also explains that grace gets personal — that each of us has a grace/gift combination unique to us.
The word for grace is “charis,” and the word for gift is “charisma” — and yes, charisma (gift) is derived from charis (grace). We see the difference between the words used in Romans 12:6. . .
Having gifts [charisma] that differ according to the grace [charis] given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6).
Our salvation comes from grace, and we serve God through grace.
But there’s a difference between general grace (for everyone) and gifts (specific grace for us). Whereas the grace of our salvation doesn’t depend upon our works, our specific grace gifts can be empowered or diminished by our actions or the actions of others.
Let’s review: general grace is not according to our works but comes from God.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
Specific grace can be hindered or expanded by our actions.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6).
Let’s grow in our grace (specific gifts) and not allow our grace to be stolen by someone else’s grace. Our grace (personal) is given to us in the form of a spiritual gift and entrusted to us for good stewardship.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10).
How does someone steal our grace? When we serve God according to another’s vision and not our calling. Let’s consider Todd and Emily. . .
Todd has served in the children’s ministry at his church for twelve years, feels fulfilled, and anticipates each Sunday.
Emily works in the children’s ministry two weekends each month. It’s an obligation for her as the church needs children’s workers. After two years, she dreads going to church those two weeks.
Todd is serving according to the grace given to him, while Emily works according to the vision (expressed need) of her church. Todd loves church, but Emily has a growing dislike of it.
Todd walks in his grace, while Emily’s grace has been pre-empted by the needs of others. Consider these questions: Are you walking in your grace? Do you know your gifts and ministry?
If you answered “yes,” continue walking in God’s grace. If you answered “no,” I pray that you will know the grace that God has given you.
Please note that we all serve someone else’s grace from time to time, as we are called to follow the example of Jesus as servants. But ultimate fulfillment in Jesus comes only through being a good steward of our gifts.
Let’s grow in this grace!