Conforming to grace’s offer

By The NewsDay | May. 2, 2015 | 3 Min read

GRACE can take you from anywhere and set you upon any high platform.

It is capable of literally lifting you up from the abyss to the throne. Within its ambit, grace can transform you from any state to another. Status can change in the twinkling of an eye.

The untenable melts under the power of grace. Unimaginable realms bow down and open in obedience to grace. The unfathomable becomes realistic at the sight of grace. Grace can usher you into dimensions unthought-of. When you’re lifted, promoted or transformed by grace, it’s your duty to conform to the demands of the new dispensation.

What grace offers is maintained by falling in line and adhering to laws and principles of the new level.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines grace as unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification. This is saving grace by which we are exempted from paying for our sins having been covered or redeemed by the sacrificial death of Jesus. Beyond saving grace there are other forms of grace operative in our lives. Justice is getting what we deserve; mercy is being spared what we deserve; grace is being given what we do not deserve. Where we should meet certain standards, fulfil specific requirements and go through prescribed processes, grace gives us a bye to the next stage or dimension.

Many have been miraculously elevated, but squandered the grace by failing to embrace the dictates of the new-found hope and glory.

Grace can choose you ahead of deserving candidates. When that happens, then do justice to your election by adjusting accordingly. Grace can camouflage you and offer you a job for which you’re not qualified. You need to comply by furthering your studies. When grace gives you opportunities and opens doors above your level, you need to work yourself out while occupying the position. When a team or athlete is disqualified for the Olympics or World Cup to create room for you; don’t expect grace to come and train and exercise for you.

Jesus told a parable in which invited guests to a wedding feast didn’t turn up, resulting in the king calling originally unconsidered or left out guests. The last part of the story in Matthew 22:8 to 14 reads: “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw Athere a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Keep Reading

While salvation is by grace, life is led through obedience. When grace spares you the rigorous tests and strict requirements, you need to return the favour by proving your worth.

You have to dress up. When grace covers you with glory to hide your shortcomings, it gives you opportunity to upgrade yourself. When a prince marries you ahead of nobles, then seek proper grooming to stay abreast.

You may catch the eye of a princess, but learn etiquette to remain in the palace. Many of the stories we hear of from riches to rags are a result of failure to conform.

When grace offers a window of opportunity, wisdom requires compliance. Do whatever it takes to measure up. An audit may be conducted and you will not be found lacking.

You know the mandatory entrance tests you didn’t take up; it’s now your duty to dress up. The invisible hand of the Lord has lifted you and placed you where you desired. It’s up to you to be firmly established. You are going somewhere.