NOT DECEIVED BUT DIRECTED!

         There are many passages in Scripture which warn against being deceived. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 6:7; James 1:16, 22, 26; among others.) Such deception can occur either due to a refusal to see as one ought (i.e. 2 Thessalonians 2:10) or by being led to misunderstand the truth. (i.e. Romans 16:18; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:6; and other passages.) Deception can even lead to misunderstanding what God has intended as a blessing and so move through life in such a way as to miss out on it. Such can be the case with those who view the blessing of God’s grace as an open door to living however one wants with an expectation God’s grace will just cover it. As Jude noted, such is a perverted view of grace. (Jude 4)

            Someone has said, “When grace becomes an excuse to live in sin, you are no longer under grace but under deception.”

            In Paul’s letter to Titus we read. . .

            “(11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (12) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (13) waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)

            God’s grace is a gift. We do not deserve it. God’s grace is powerful. It can cover our sins. However, God’s grace is to also be a powerful motivator and wise instructor to lead us away from sin as we walk through life with a desire to please Him; living a self-controlled, upright, and godly life. That is the life which reveals genuine gratitude for the blessing of God’s amazing grace. Because of God’s grace we can know our sins have been forgive and that we are saved and can therefore look with great anticipation for whenever His coming occurs. May the gift of God’s grace be duly accepted, appreciated, and directed by!

            Have a great day DULY DIRECTED BY GOD’S AMAZING GRACE!

                        Carl