For it is written:
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:5-14 (NIV)
Grace cost God something, grace cost Jesus something, and grace cost you something! God sacrificed something, Jesus sacrificed something, in order that each of us could receive the precious provision of grace! Therefore, we must sacrifice something, we have to “follow! Grace does cost, it means following Jesus!
Below is a song that has been sung in many churches for many, many years! Check out the words.
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine
that were a present far too small,
love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all!
The “following” of Christ is not the achievement or merit of a few, but the divine command to all Christians without distinction!
Grace is a provision for making a mistake with an understanding that God loves everyone. But! He who follows God in completeness by hearing His direction, and moving on it walks in favor with God; He/she walks in a measure, a portion of God’s loving kindness, and is able to fulfill what deeds and works God has asked of him on his life, with a willingness, not an oppression or a obligation, or legalese ( a forcefulness). But, with a willingness, a hope, a dedication, a interest, and a incentive to serve God in their lives by following His direction, and promoting what God stands for.
(sw-h)
