This Combination Opens the Narrow Gate - Spiritual Nugget 99
|
Our current environment compels us to secure our valuables, personal belongings, and confidential information under some type of security system. Whether it’s home, school, work, computer, a storage unit, or other locations, the types of security systems are endless. They range from the simple lock and key to more elaborate and complicated high-tech approaches.
Although it is probably dated, the combination lock is still a tried-and-true method for safe storage. Its opening is controlled through a combination of numbers selected by the owner of the lock. Unrealistically, in many of our movies, cracking a combination lock appears too easy. A device that is subject to millions of numerical combinations doesn’t magically open with a few attempts. Spiritually, there is a combination that opens the door to one of the powerful concepts in the Christian environment. When applied together, miraculous life changes emerge, and the true meaning of freedom is experienced. Love, faith, and forgiveness equal grace. Like the owner of the combination lock, each person will have to choose to devote himself to using this perfect code to open God’s storage. Love is a distinct quality of God; therefore it should be an attribute of those He created. Genuine love requires mercy and compassion without judgment, commitment, patience, kindness, self-sacrifice, and a boatload of other positive traits. (I Corinthians 13:4-7) Faith, simply put, is reliance. We can choose to rely on ourselves without a foundation to hold us when the ground beneath our feet begins to sink, or we can rely on the actions and presence of a trustworthy God who loves us with an everlasting love. Faith in Him gives us the benefits of pardon, purification, peace, and life. Forgiveness requires the massive humility of a servant. This act goes light years beyond just saying you are sorry. Perhaps you have ill-treated another. If you have ever asked for a pardon, can you recall your emotions as you expressed your words? They are often deeply profound and touch your soul. In reverse, you humble yourself and forgive someone who, in your opinion, does not deserve forgiveness. You will need to breathe deeply. Both scenarios display kindness, both release you from the prison of hatred and mistrust, and both take strength, courage, and humility. Grace (favor) is within the never-changing nature of God. His thoughts toward mankind are overflowing with blessings of unparalleled mercy and love. Unlike humans, He applies grace without proof that favor is deserved. His Grace is within Him—not in His creations. Today’s environment creates an atmosphere of competition at every level e.g., sports, driving, looks, politics, and even church. Although “good works” are essential, we do not get to compete for God’s favor through the amount of works we do. Grace is a gift. Its foundation rests on the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and not on the number of “good” acts performed. (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Romans 11:5) Within Grace are the three necessary attributes that make for the correct combination to open the storage of God’s Grace (favor): healing, strength, pardon, mercy, provision, peace, protection, and more. The security system for God’s Grace is within His nature and personality. It cannot be cracked or broken, and it is always sufficient, especially in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) It is the “tried and true” spiritual security system for the storage of His everlasting Grace. Applying His combination is the only entrance through the narrow gate to the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) 
|
Listen To The Audio VersionListen to Yvonne read her spiritual nugget. This is a very quick way to enjoy the article; especially if you prefer to listen to the audio in her own voice.
"The security system for God’s Grace is within His nature and personality. It cannot be cracked or broken, and it is always sufficient, especially in our weakness. It is the “tried and true” spiritual security system for the storage of His everlasting Grace." Leave a Comment or Message Below
|
