1 Corinthians 15:10(KJV)
But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
From our anchor Scripture, the apostle Paul refused to take credit for his spiritual insight and influence. He was reminding us through this Scripture that he did not come to glorify himself, but the message of the Cross that is important. Despite those who applauded him for his faith, love, and insight, he could not accept their applause in good conscience. Paul said, in effect, “It isn’t me, brothers and sisters. It’s Christ, for I’m nothing without the grace of God.” Apostle Paul was saying he was what he was because of the grace of God and not because he was a lawyer, scholar, or passionate about the Kingdom’s work. He fully understood that his life had no value unless God was everything to him. Paul understood that if God were to withhold His Power for one brief instant from him, hold in check the breath of life for one moment, his physical existence would diminish into nothingness, and with his soul swept away into an endless eternity. Paul recognized that his tireless efforts were insufficient to disseminate the teachings of Jesus. He knew that only the power of God through grace enabled him to do the marvelous works and wonders he accomplished.
A popular definition of Grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is God’s unmerited, undeserved favor. God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary to make grace available to us. Grace is God’s seal of approval and acceptance through the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. The key to accessing and operating at any level or dimension of grace lies in the degree of one’s connection with Christ from whom all grace originates and the desire to grow in Him. The grace of God is a difference maker; where people struggle to make it in life, the grace of God makes it very effortless. In other words, where there is no grace, there is striving. It is clear that a vital secret between people on earth is the grace of God available to them. What differentiates people in terms of result or outcome is called grace. It is the grace of God that makes a man stand out amongst his contemporaries. It is grace that makes our case different. It was grace that differentiated Noah from others in his generation. The difference between Paul and other disciples in impact was the grace of God. No wonder grace is the beginning of everything for us, and with us, grace is the continual basis of everything to the end. What grace begins, grace carries on, and grace crowns.
Beloved, don’t tend to boast about your own accomplishments, for you are nothing without God’s Grace and Love. Success only comes by His Grace. No matter the results you get, never take the glory that belongs to God. Realize that you are who you are simply by grace. You’ll be amazed at how quickly things fall into place when you surrender control of your life to God. So, let Him guide you with confidence and trust in His plan. Always make demands on the grace of God at the place of prayer. Study the Word of God daily to enable you to grow in grace. Your accomplishments and abilities are not yours to take credit for; they are gifts from a loving Father. Today, ask God to forgive you when you boast about your accomplishments. If you do not realize you are what you are by the grace of God, you will think more highly of yourself than you should. God’s grace has saved you. God’s grace has given you a new life. Everything you have, everything you do, it comes from God. Remember, you are nothing without God’s Grace and Love.
O Lord, I ask for Your Grace today. Help me fully benefit from the grace embedded in the shed Blood of Jesus Christ in Jesus’ Name.