From Guilt to Grace

Earlier today as I was outside enjoying the day I began to think about all the things that I do and have done that may not be the most God-honoring. When I was much younger I had this idea in my head that I would never do a lot of things because they were wrong. But, add a few years of changing circumstances, peer pressure and a dash of rebellion and before long I had done all of those things I thought I would never do. Looking back, I would still tell you that those things were wrong because they were dishonoring to God and nonetheless sin and yet strangely enough my attitude toward those things has greatly evolved over the years.

Growing up with a very conservative Christian background I often found myself torn apart over every little sin I committed. When I did something wrong I felt as though there was some severe punishment waiting for me and if I did any of the "big" sins (drinking, smoking, swearing, drugs, sex, etc.) then I was probably really in for it. Yes, I was guilty of all of these things shortly after I was out of high school and honestly by that time I really didn't care. Eventually God got a hold of me and showed me His grace and forgiveness, but my background tainted my view of true grace.

After I had realized and accepted God's grace I began to live my life much differently. Unfortunately, instead of living in grace and sharing it with others I began a life of legalism. My thoughts were based on everything I shouldn't or couldn't do and that was my focus. I was so focused on keeping everything that was not honoring to God out of my life that I forgot to honor God with whatever was left. If we simply strive do not dishonor God are we really honoring Him at all?

I'm not saying that we should not be aware of the "junk" in our lives that is not honoring to God. We are not perfect and there will always be something. Instead, I feel that our awareness should not come from some deep rooted legalistic guilt, but instead from true sense of conviction that we are not honoring God in all areas of our lives. Conviction is not based on guilt, but rather on a desire to honor God and live in the freedom of His grace. In the midst of God's grace is where we find true freedom.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. (Phil. 2:12b-13)