On campus, in those years, we found a way to explain whatever anybody does, especially. For example, singing, praying, communicating, etc. So one day, in a meeting, a brother was said to be given to too much sleep. Thinking he would defend himself, he stylishly and smilingly responded; “It is grace.” We all laughed. But I learnt a lesson.
Friend, you need to know what grace is. But more importantly, you need to know what grace is not (Titus 2:11-12). Especially in the charismatic, people have used grace as a cover-up for reckless living. You need to know what grace is not. Since Christ is grace personified, therefore, whatever you cannot find in and with Christ cannot be grace (Ephesians 4:20).
Grace furthers God’s program for our lives and advances the kingdom (Galatians 1:24). If what you call grace makes you less effective in divine purpose or does harm to the kingdom, it is not grace. God does not give us grace to sleep or be slothful. A man of grace is a man of labour, not laziness (Proverbs 19:15).
Grace is not a licence to sin. It is an empowerment to live right before God and man (Romans 6:1-2). When people say that grace covers it, we need to understand that grace does not cover. Grace exposes. It exposes our sin and worthlessness so we can desire the help of God to help us out of our wretchedness (Romans 7:24-25).
Grace is not achieving results via iniquity. Some people say that you cannot argue with results. That is not true. It is weightless people who don’t argue with results (1 Corinthians 3:10). Genuine people argue with results. God also argues with results. With God, how you got the job done is more important than just getting the job done (Numbers 20:7-13).
Grace is not mediocrity. Grace does not lower the standards for us. Rather, it enables us to rise up to the highest standards (Matthew 5:48). Anyone who lowers standards for you in the name of Grace is already working to bring disgrace into your life. When next you ask for grace, remember that you are asking for strength and enablement to measure up to God and destiny (1 Corinthians 15:10). Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria