Over And Beyond
We returned to some routine this past week after a long vacation in the UK. Our daughter quickly adapted to her environment as soon as we got into the house (it was a funny scene watching her stare at her mirror and giggling).
Let’s Talk About Grace!
Grace is a theme that has been mostly thought of in a receiving, conservative context. We mostly speak of receiving grace, accepting grace, having the grace of God, all of which are absolutely true and in fact, foundational.
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But there’s a new level of grace that initiates, is action-oriented, makes us do (rather than receive and sit back).
God’s grace does not only save, it empowers.
God’s grace does not only enable us shun evil, but to live above sin.
God’s grace is more than an enabler – it’s the engine on which the God-intended life is lived out.
Over And Beyond
Take for example the testimony of the churches of Macedonia, spoken of by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
This is grace at work – going over and beyond. In extreme poverty, they didn’t sit back. They gave.
In lack, they did not complain. They gave.
They lived the life that mattered – by grace!
How Will You Live?
This year, have you resolved how you will live?
Are you willing to let go, so God can fill up what is lacking in you?
Are you ready to ensure God’s grace is not in vain in your life?
This year, I believe God is calling us to go over and beyond in our faith, purpose, passion, walk with Him and relationship with people. Ordinary cannot be normal anymore. To experience awesome, be ready for some inconvenience. (You can tweet that)
In which area of your life have you seen the need to go over and beyond?
About Joseph Iregbu
From a homeless, near-school-dropout to living a story worth telling. Purpose is my passion. What's your story?
“Ordinary can’t be normal anymore.” I am learning this too, Joseph.
So glad I’m not alone 🙂
I need to go over and beyond in my outreach to others, but in a way that does not limit my time with family.
Family is our number one ministry. It’s good to find the right balance.
I need to go over and beyond in several areas of my life – but one set is in a bucket I call “healthy family memories” focusing on my wife and family, and another called “healthy marriage – court your wife.” At our home we love the phrase, “let go & let God.”
I like the phrase “Court your wife”. That’s a lifelong area of going over and beyond. Thanks friend for sharing your thoughts.
I had an instructor in college that defined grace as “the power and desire to do the will of God.” I have always remembered that and it is very true. God has great things for his people that will act on His grace and “turn their world upside down!”
Grace – “The power and desire to do the will of God”. I like that!!