Romans 12:3 MSG
I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
What must I do to live in pure grace today? Absolutely nothing! Pure grace; which simply means unmixed and undiluted, is a matter of resting and being. Live resting in His rest. Not striving! Not adding my best efforts! Since his work is done ours must be also!
There are not even expectations that we carry into today. None! Simply trust and rest. Notice I didn't say trust and obey? Receiving the unmerited favor of his obedience empowers my right living. God forbid that I should be judged by the merits of what I do for him.
I rest in what he has already done and enter by trust into his all-in-all; his lovely attributes. There he keeps me connected to his goodness, promises, provision, and power. It's like breathing. I breath him in and I breathe him out!
In this posture of trust and rest my daily life becomes an overflowing well of sheer gratitude for all that he has given me! I no longer measure the success or failure of my life by my meritorious service or performance. He is the only measuring stick of a day well lived! As I simply live in him he lives in me. This is abundant life.
The sphere of my influence becomes a moment by moment reflection of the sphere of his influence. His influence in and through me frees me to live as a child of love. "You’re a good, good Father, that's who you are. And I'm loved by you, that's who I am." We are loved children! Everything good, right, true, hopeful, and joyful emanates from trusting and resting in the secure love bond of this relationship-Father and child, not master and servant. What doing is done, is doing with a loving Father. Partner with him today!
Live well, Ron Ross
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