A Model of Grace
Last Thursday I had the privilege to hear what has become one of my favorite speakers and writers. Francis Chan brings to his audience a genuine love for God; an authentic faith covered in grace and humility. On Thursday evening of Catalyst Conference, Chan shared with us from scripture about the power of the cross and the grace that come from “the God of ALL grace.” It was simple. There was no a new approach or anything flashy; just Francis Chan and the Word of God. It was an incredible evening to say the least.
On the subject of Grace, Chan shared a story about one of his daughters who came home from school one day terrified about an “F’ that she received. Chan told the Catalyst crowd that he was taken by it and that it was unacceptable especially because she was an “asian girl” (a hilarious side note). Scared as to what dad was going to do once he found out about the “F”, Chan’s daughter anxiously awaited his arrival home. Chan arrives home and his daughter, scared to death, asks, “what are you going to do to me dad?” “What are you going to do?” Chan looks at his daughter and says, “tonight, we’re going out.” “We’re going to dinner, a movie, and maybe some shopping… this time.” While I am sure there was plenty to talk about concerning the “F” and the instruction given to study harder or whatever that “dad talk” is like, Chan made the decision to bestow grace upon his daughter. The next day when Chan’s daughter went to school, all of her friends gathered around her and ask, “what happen?” “What did he do?” Chan’s daughter replied and shared with them that they went to dinner, a movie, and did some shopping to which they responded, “WOW! I want your dad!”
Amazing. What a response! What is it in our lives that portrays the grace of our Father? When people interact with us, how do they walk away? Do we display the grace of God in our lives? When people see us, do they wish they had our Father? The truth is the grace of God has been bestowed on us abundantly. With grace comes great responsibility, but it is His grace that is certainly enough. What about those times where life hands you an “F”? Does grace abound or does it only display itself when we approve of what God is doing? Perhaps that’s too real.
Given our desire to make it all about me, we often approach this subject of Grace with a self-absorbed mentality. Titus 2:11 tells us the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Meaning all can be saved. Great news. Ephesians 2:8 gives a little more insight to how grace and faith work together. “By grace you have been saved through faith [in Christ Jesus], and this not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works so that no one should boast.” The problem we run into sometimes is that we have this burn in us to make grace all about me or something that I must merit in order to attain it. That is how our relationships work. When God administered grace, it was done! I think we struggle because that approach is too easy. Again, with grace there is responsibility, but it is that easy. How do we deliver this great news of grace? Do we define grace as something we do or do not do or do we simply allow for Christ to say it is done… follow me.
When people walk away… do they want your Father in Heaven?
