Grace Made Man

8-10-2012 by Boyd Bailey “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 A self-made man is the antithesis of a grace made man. A self-made man becomes desperate for God on occasion, as when a crisis occurs— but a grace made man is continually desperate for God, since he sees himself as a needy man. A self-made man struggles to give God the glory for his accomplishments, but the grace made man never forgets to give Christ the credit for his success. Grace brings out the best in humble hearts. Furthermore, a grace made man does not work any less, but more. Gratitude governs grace-based behavior into focused diligence. A man or woman motivated by the grace of God works for an audience of One. Their godly ambition has an eternal allegiance that no earthly boss can inspire. So, we work hard because God’s grace is at work within us. Is your work and life a divine portrait of grace? If so, you are attractive, beautiful to behold. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 We are nothing unless the Lord makes us by His grace. We may make money, but unless we lean into the Lord’s grace, it is just another temporal transaction. We know we are leaning into the Lord’s grace when we are gracious with our words and humble in our attitude. People are not seen as a means to make money, but as individuals with hopes, dreams and fears. A grace made person engages people with kindness, not passive pride. Therefore, work hard with a heavenly agenda. Acknowledge that the larger the Lord’s blessing on your life the greater the need for more grace. Christ increases our capacity for grace, as we credit Him for His favor. Amazing grace starts at salvation and becomes a growing marvel as you apply humble faith and thanksgiving. God’s grace makes the man; man does not make the man. Your Creator created you and your success. “T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…and Grace will lead us home.” (Amazing Grace, the hymn) “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18a Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to rely more and more on Your generous grace. Related Readings: 1 Samuel 2:7; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Colossians 1:29; Philippians 2:13