The Grace Problem

We love grace. We really do. We sing about how amazing it is. We preach it. We extol it. Getting good that we didn't earn is a real good thing.

For reasons that don't seem readily apparent, grace, like so many other things, gets to be problematic when humans get hold of it.

How is that? Well, we are strange creatures. When we first encounter grace -- favor given without merit -- we are indeed grateful. We did not see that coming. It is so good. It is so wonderful. As time goes by and the grace keeps coming, we become used to it. We expect it. It's just ... there. Eventually -- and not entirely sanely -- we begin to demand it. It is not entirely sane because the definition is that we are not due the favor, but we begin to see it as our just reward. It is ours. And if God doesn't deliver, we're miffed.

Think of a kid's evolution at Christmas. That first realization of getting a good thing out of the blue is a delight. He or she is so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It isn't too many years before they expect it. It's no longer a surprise. It is normal. It is coming. It is theirs. Now, imagine (assuming there is a parent brave enough to test this out ... and I doubt there is) what would happen if a Christmas came around and you said, "Nope, not this year. No presents this Christmas." The reaction would not be, "Oh, but we're so grateful for what you've given us before." No, no. It would be outrage. You are not going to be their favorite parent this year. Because Christmas gifts are now required.

The trick, then, is to try to remember grace. Grace and mercy. It might help if you remember mercy first. The fact that we are not getting what we deserve is truly astounding. If we can remember how much we're forgiven, what is it that Jesus said about love and forgiveness (Luke 7:47)? The realization of how much we've been given makes grace all the greater. We didn't earn anything that God gives. And He gives. And gives. And gives.

One of the primary problems Paul mentions in his dissertation on basic human sin, along with "ungodliness and unrighteousness" and the suppression of truth by unrighteousness (Rom 1:18) is a simple and very common problem. "Even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks" (Rom 1:21). Ungrateful. That's one of our common problems. Even for the amazing grace that He imparts. As for me, I don't ask God for "fair." If God were to give me what I deserve, I couldn't stand. I'll take mercy and grace any day, neither of which I have earned.