Grace and Humility. These two expressions of the Christian life are linked together in the life of each believer. Here are working definitions for each word. Grace – is the free and unmerited favor of God that is expressed to us through the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Humility – Free from pride or arrogance.
The need for grace in the Christian person is easy to comprehend. It is because of God’s unmerited favor He shows us that we may be saved. It is a free gift – the salvation of Jesus Christ. Without this grace it is impossible to spend eternity with God. The acceptance of Grace in our lives requires an act of humility for it recognizes that we are incapable of saving ourselves, not even a little bit. In accepting God’s Grace we humble ourselves, acknowledging our weakness and sinfulness. Remaining humble is perhaps one of the more difficult aspects of living the Christian life. The moment we think we are humble or at least more humble than our neighbor we have lost it. Humility is constantly and always putting our pride and arrogance in check (something that can only be done with God’s power and guidance – grace).
On Sunday Dr. Selby preached from the pulpit that both grace and humility are NECESSARY (not an option) for unity within the body of Christ. It cannot be grace only on Sunday and humility only on Monday. It must be both all the time. As we live together in this time and place, pray that God will grant you grace and humility as you live for Him. Keeping the body united in Christ means EBC remains united because we are extending God’s grace and humility to one another in all things.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15
Singing His Praises!
Mark