Daily Reflections, Thursday, April 17, 2008

Today's Scripture: Titus 3:4-8

A husband and wife went to a check-in desk for airline tickets. After making their purchase, they were bumped up to first-class. They enjoyed good food, hot coffee, and a spacious passenger compartment.

Today's Quote:  Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin.—John Piper

They noticed a man playing with the different amenities and causing quite a disturbance. A few attendants were about to escort the man to the economy section of the plane when they discovered he was the owner of the airline!

While the owner deserved special treatment, he abused his privileges. On the other hand, however, the husband and wife respected their privilege and were able to enjoy their flight. Sometimes we do the same as Christians. Let me explain…

We all know that, as Christians, we become children of God—an honor that guarantees an eternity in Heaven, access to God, the peace and comfort of an eternal relationship with Him, and His grace. Some Christians feel that the benefits of Christianity—namely, grace—allow them to “play around” with sin. Other Christians realize how undeserving they are of this favor and live in grateful submission to His will at work in their lives.

What will you do with grace? Will you use it to motivate a life of surrender or will you abuse it?