FREE AND EQUAL (February 24, 2023)

<p>As children, we would loudly boast: “I can run faster than you.“ “ I have more toys than you.” “I’m taller than you.”</p> <p>Not much has changed. Now all grown-up, we quietly still boast:  “I pay someone to do my running for me.” “I have the bigger toys.” “I’m thinner/fitter/wealthier.”</p> <p>We gain our value by comparing ourselves to those without acquired or natural advantages. We revel in what DNA or ancestors have lent us for a moment. </p> <p>But Jesus offers each of us a gift for which no bragging is allowed:  “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). No leap of faith is measured. No marathon of duty gets us closer to the goal. No list of good things done—or bad things left undone—adjusts our destiny.</p> <p>Grace can’t be earned, is unavailable for sale, and never is inherited. Grace is God’s gift, and free to all who take it.</p> <p>In God’s economy, I gain it all by faith in Him “who loved me and gave Himself to save me” (Gal 2:20)</p> <p>So stay in grace. -Bill Knott</p>