Strong

 December 13, 2021

“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” —2 Timothy 2:1

It’s a simple enough phrase, but begs the question: How does one become strong in grace? What does that even mean? Grace has been defined as unmerited favor; grace is the English translation of the Greek “charis,” from which we get charismatic, charisma, charity. The question remains; How do we become strong in unmerited favor?

When I attempt to define my life and worth by what I have accomplished, I feel insufficient, missing the mark, and falling short of my goals. It doesn’t take long walking in those shoes before insecurity sets in, and insecurity is an accomplished thief of emotional and spiritual strength. The enemy of our souls knows what buttons to push, and all but the most narcissistic and haughty will soon find themselves on a slippery slope of self-denigration if life is valued merely by what we can do. The day always comes when we can do no more, and have to ask, “What makes life worthwhile now?”

If instead of defining my worth by what I can accomplish, I believe in the goodness of God and put my trust in his grace—his unmerited favor, I discover a strength previously unknown to me. I can live joyously, contentedly, enthusiastically, knowing that whether I am successful or not, my worth is wrapped up in the value God places upon me. That price was set at the Cross of Christ. Peter tells us exactly what that price was:

You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

—I Peter 1:18-19 

Strong in grace—there is no better way to live!