Grace in vain

2 Corinthians 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.

As a parent, few things give my blood pressure a lift like one of my kids receiving a gift in vain. That is, without appreciation of the work, thought, love and sacrifice that the gift required and represents. If you are a parent you know exactly what I mean. There is nothing worse than a spoiled rotten kid who thinks he is more worthy than even the gifts he or she receives, so there is no genuine appreciation for the gift. This is exactly what Paul is urging the Corinthian Church to be aware in themselves, in terms of the Gospel.

Paul is aware that the flesh is constantly battling God's desire for us to truly appraise and appreciate the Glory of Christ and His gift of grace. Think I am lying? Right now where you are, how awed are you of God? Did you wake up this morning with an anticipation to worship Him with the same anticipation you feel before a big sporting event, Christmas, or special vacation to an exotic spot?

Its hard, but I must admit that it is far too easy to undervalue the Gift of Christ. We are far to content to memorize the Sunday School material and go and pour our passions into work, sports, recreation and Hobbies. Paul says look out. He writes this one verse after one of the most awe inspiring verses in the bible 2 Corinthians 5:21 - He who knew no sin, became sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God. Did you hear that? A Holy God not only paid sin debts, but Christ momentarily volunteered to become the thing he hated most, sin. On the cross he became the object of wrath of Father and suffered immensely, even far beyond the physical brutality. Paul is encouraging us to never lose our awe of this fact. Its divine. Its a mystery. Its Holy.

As we approach Easter we need to examine our motives, thoughts and actions. What exactly dominates your thoughts this week? Grocery lists for family meals? Dying Eater eggs? Getting baskets prepared? Travel plans and work schedules?

All of this when Christ is at the Father's right hand desiring your full and deserving awe?

Let's not receive God's grace in vain....