We don’t like grace. Not really. I mean we like it for ourselves. We like receiving it. We like it when the Starbuck’s guy gives us a free vanilla latte because he accidentally made an extra. And we like it when people are patient and forgiving towards us when we royally mess up. Again. But when it comes to everyone else, by nature we prefer law.
Law is predictable and orderly. It has sides and lines. And we know what to expect, “Say this, get this. Do this, receive this.” It makes life easier to measure. “Good. Bad. Right. Wrong.”
But the law doesn’t have much power. Oh it can semi-scare people into semi-obedience. It can make us cough up 5 bucks for an overpriced, sugar-coma-inducing coffee, because if we just grabbed it and ran out the door someone may call the cops. (Or. Something.)
The law can make my kids halfway do what I say because they don’t like “sassy spray” when they talk back or the iPod taken away. So law can motivate outward results. But it has zero control over the heart of man. Zero. Which is one reason parenting is so stinkin’ freakin’ difficult.
(She hacked the photostream on my phone. Ha.)
Law just shows us our sin. It shows us God’s perfection and our lacking. It shows us again and again that we’re weak. Our inability to perfectly obey the law illuminates the fact that we’re needy for help. Desperately.
I’ve said it before to my fellow parents, but I need reminding. We have to be so diligent not to place too much expectation on the law when it comes to the hearts of our kids. Because our rules and laws will never ever transform them. Yes, we employ “law” in our home. We use it as a tool in discipline. But we’re deceiving ourselves if we think it’s what will change them. Our kids will never wake up and say “Oh, my mum and daddy want only to protect me. I shall now obey everything they’ve so wisely instructed.” Not happenin’. Because they, like we, are human. And humans fall.
But grace. Grace. It’s got this ability to reach into the soul of a man (or woman) and melt the most calloused places. It’s what Jesus always gave. And gives. It’s looking into the tear-stained face of a woman who’s been publicly disgraced for her sin and saying, “I don’t condemn you.” That was me. It’s God calling rebellious, murderous, adulterous humans “son” or “daughter.” It’s Jesus nailed to a tree for me and you because we can’t obey the law, and our disobedience has to be dealt with.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
If we could stand here for a while and even vaguely grasp the great grace we’re under, then we might respond to everyone else a little more…graciously. If we could only remember that our rules and laws and lists won’t change the people around us — believe me. I’ve tried. — then maybe we’d take a deep breath and ask God to show grace through us.
We can’t do it on our own. Grace will never be our fleshly natural response to those who hurt us or those who don’t obey us. But in Christ, by the power of His Spirit, we can ask Him to show it through us. We can choose to sit with and revel in God’s grace. And after He fills us so full of wonder over this mysterious gift, we can spill it out on everyone around us.
Grace. “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” It’s receiving what we don’t deserve. And it’s giving what *they* don’t deserve. Because of Jesus.
Fill me, Lord…
How have you seen grace motivate true heart change in you or someone you know?
Excellent post Lara! It’s so true that “law does not change the heart.” I see it all the time working with inmates in our prison ministry. Also, the Jews under the Old Covenant established tons of laws, but Christ revealed their very black hearts. Unfortunately, I’m a person who tends to lean into “the law” because of its clear boundaries. Many times it’s when I try and apply my own interpretation of those laws to other’s lives that I stray from God’s example. All of us should consistently go back and really see what the Word has to say about God’s Grace … and lean into Grace in our hearts and lives.
Blessings Cuz ….
Thanks Chuck. And I bet you absolutely see it in your ministry! Wow. What a perfect picture of the law’s inability. “Lean into grace.” Amen and amen. Hugs to you!
*sigh* This made me realize that I’ve not been believing that it’s His grace [modeled through me?] which will lead my boy to repentance. Sounds like I’m the one who needs to repent! Thanks, Lara!
Oh girl. One of the hardest things is figuring out what grace looks like as a parent. I wrestle with God on this constantly. But ultimately I pray that my discipline would point my kids continually to the fact that they can’t live up to law on their own. They, like I, need Jesus. Period. You’re a great mom. I just know it. Covered in His grace. Love to you, friend.