Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Thursday, MAY 10 What is Your Attitude Towards the Grace of God? Luke 15:11-12, 25 &28

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Thursday, MAY 10

What is Your Attitude Towards the Grace of God?

Luke 15:11-12, 25 &28
And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. *Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

-------------------------------------------------------------
The two sons of the loving father in our text above reflect the effects of the negative attitudes some believers have to the grace of God. The younger son who asked for his inheritance and squandered it by reckless living is a picture of believers who see the abundant grace God has given us in Christ as a license to live their lives recklessly. This attitude results in great loss, insecurity and serves as a potential danger to their faith. They sometimes doubt their relationship with God the Father and live far below the standard and quality of life that God the Father has provided for us in Christ. The older son who was angry at the way the father showed love to the younger son when he returned represents a picture of believers who are not comfortable with the revelation of the grace of God.

They are angry when they see love and grace being shown to people they feel do not deserve it. They are indirectly angry with God the Father. They do not really understand the heart of God. Instead, they view him more like a boss. Also their faith is in their works. They feel that God is not rewarding them enough for their works and that the believers who do not work as much as they do should not be loved by God. This causes them to experience a lot of hurt, anger and bitterness. In all of this, the loving father kept showing his love and grace to both sons. The younger son did not know he could enjoy the father's inheritance and still be responsible and the elder son did not know that though his works were good, his father loved him not because of his works but because he was his son.

PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank You for Your abundant grace and love for me. Help me understand and respond rightly to Your grace.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: 2 KINGS 10-12; JOHN 1:29-51

Empowered to Succeed..