Samuel Ginder offered this comment in the Washington Post, “If moral behavior were simply following rules, we could program a computer to be moral.”

Many church people find the discussion of rules, standards, and regulations a touchy subject. After all, we are living in the Age of Grace, right? Some Christians insist upon following the ordinances in Scripture to the letter with no room for error, practicing legalism, and voiding the element of grace. Others take the other extreme and live in total sin, abusing God’s grace. In both extremes, Christians have an improper view of grace, its provision, and its requirements.

Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Galatian churches. The Christian, according to Paul, is one who not only believes that Christ was crucified, but also realizes that he has been “crucified with Christ.” He made it clear that the grace found in Christ did not license sin, but rather provided freedom from its power. This is the nature of grace.

But unless grace is given freely, it loses its very essence. Therefore, we cannot expect to receive more grace by our works—grace motivates the good works. We now live to God’s glory, and the relationship we have with Christ should then create within us a desire to serve and obey Him in all aspects of life.

Are you striving to thrive upon His grace? Make this a daily commitment.