Post by Zac Loh on Apr 24, 2010 23:29:19 GMT -5
Question: how can u work in grace and not being lazy? As a student i have been trying to ensure that i maximize the grace that God has given me through Christ but most times it seems that i tend to live on works and not grace. Perhaps it is due to the fact that i am trying not to be lazy. But most times the results i get are always below the energy i put into reading and those who tend to work less get the result.
My Answer
Brother, you asked a question that needed to be asked, and I believe many want to know the answer to this as well.
There are four aspects of grace to make the complete picture. I do not know if anyone has taught this. But here is a quick summary.
1. THE POSITION OF GRACE
It is because of Jesus that we have the grace of God. It is Jesus. We look to Him and what He had done for us. It is not anything that we have done or can do. It has already been done for us. We can have the fullness of grace because of Jesus. Look to Jesus. Grace has been freely given.
2. THE CONDITION OF GRACE
This is the condition of our heart. Are we dependent on God? Do we have an attitude of reliance on God alone? Do we recognize the awesomeness of God and His mighty power, and that we humble ourselves before Him? The right heart condition will draw the grace of God.
3. THE SITUATION OF GRACE
God does work in our circumstances and situations whether we realize it or not. But to have the optimal grace, we need to discern His hand in our lives and discern the working of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of grace. We need to be sensitive, aware and sense the Spirit of grace; follow His leading, direction and submit to His enablement.
4. THE PERSONIFICATION OF GRACE
Grace is from God. It is God's grace. We don't have a relationship with grace nor worship grace; we honor God and worship Him.
Ultimately, grace draws us to God. It is about God Himself. So our focus is on God. We love God. We want to be intimate with Him. We want to walk with Him. Grace is when we are near to God.
The proper concept and idea of grace doesn't make us lazy. It causes us to be dependent on God. It brings awareness of what God is doing in our life. It creates a desire in us to work hand-in-hand with God. It changes our perspective so that we will want to partner with God to achieve God's aim and purpose.
My Answer
Brother, you asked a question that needed to be asked, and I believe many want to know the answer to this as well.
There are four aspects of grace to make the complete picture. I do not know if anyone has taught this. But here is a quick summary.
1. THE POSITION OF GRACE
It is because of Jesus that we have the grace of God. It is Jesus. We look to Him and what He had done for us. It is not anything that we have done or can do. It has already been done for us. We can have the fullness of grace because of Jesus. Look to Jesus. Grace has been freely given.
2. THE CONDITION OF GRACE
This is the condition of our heart. Are we dependent on God? Do we have an attitude of reliance on God alone? Do we recognize the awesomeness of God and His mighty power, and that we humble ourselves before Him? The right heart condition will draw the grace of God.
3. THE SITUATION OF GRACE
God does work in our circumstances and situations whether we realize it or not. But to have the optimal grace, we need to discern His hand in our lives and discern the working of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of grace. We need to be sensitive, aware and sense the Spirit of grace; follow His leading, direction and submit to His enablement.
4. THE PERSONIFICATION OF GRACE
Grace is from God. It is God's grace. We don't have a relationship with grace nor worship grace; we honor God and worship Him.
Ultimately, grace draws us to God. It is about God Himself. So our focus is on God. We love God. We want to be intimate with Him. We want to walk with Him. Grace is when we are near to God.
The proper concept and idea of grace doesn't make us lazy. It causes us to be dependent on God. It brings awareness of what God is doing in our life. It creates a desire in us to work hand-in-hand with God. It changes our perspective so that we will want to partner with God to achieve God's aim and purpose.