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
Do you ever feel completely helpless? I hope so, it keeps us humble. A healthy developed self confidence wants to accomplish things on its own, and if the person is a man, he really doesn’t want to ask for help; it’s a guy thing. However, if we become too self confident we may start to feel invincible – a dangerous place to be.
People who think they’re invincible tend not to believe in God. They see faith in God as a sign of weakness. But, the real weakness in thinking they can do anything without the mercy of God. Life in and of itself is a gift from God, and it’s because of His daily waves of mercy that we accomplish anything at all. St. James tells us not to be deceived; it is God who gives us birth and that every good and perfect gift is from Him (James 1:16-18).
Our birth is a gift from God, and our re-birth into faith in Him is also a gift. We can’t come into this world but by the mercy of God, and we wont go out of it and into Heaven without that same mercy. In His great mercy God has given grace to all who will see it; the grace to believe in Jesus Christ.
Do you see His grace? Is your faith in the one who made you, or the deceptive thinking believing you can somehow be good enough to earn Heaven? Sure goodness counts, but only when we seek His goodness within us through faith. We can’t make our selves into His likeness, but by faith through grace, He can make us like Him. All it takes is a faith-filled surrender, and a remembrance that we’re not invincible.
Grace and Peace,
+Pastor Brad
Prayer
Lord of Mercy and Grace, forgive my foolishness of thinking I can do anything by myself. Help me to see all of life is your grace helping me to become more like you. Amen.
Image credit: http://dorkshelf.com/2013/01/28/fan-shelf-invincible-100/