More than I Deserve, God's Grace

One of my favorite "Financial" gurus is Dave Ramsey. I love his perspective of things and his approach on how to become someone who manages my budget instead of allowing the budget to manage me. If you have listened to his radio program he always answers the question, "How are you?" with, "Better than I deserve." He is a disciple of Christ, so his whole life's perspective, which includes finances, comes from his faith, trust and hope in Jesus. Dave Ramsey recognizes that we are graced with everything from God, even though we do not deserve it.

Let me make a list of things God has blessed me with that I do not deserve, and maybe you can relate: 1. I do not deserve to be living today, looking back at my past, especially the stupid things I did as a youth (and actually some of the stupid things I did as an adult). 2. I do not deserve such wonderful children that I have, I failed in several areas to provide the best for them, yet my children are faithful, healthy, and caring. 3. I do not deserve the ministry God has entrusted to me, Journey Christian Community, as a Pastor I have flaws and weaknesses that cause me not to be up to the task, if not for the Lord's grace and power. 4. I surely do not deserve the spouse I have, looking back at what she put up with and what she puts up with now. 5. Most of all, I do not deserve the hope, forgiveness and relationship I have with God through the price Jesus paid.

Knowing who I am and what I have that I do not deserve should transform my heart and perspective that I have toward others. All I have is not because I am so good or because I have come up with all the answers, but all I have is by the grace of God who has been patient with me and who loves me. This ought to be more than enough motivation for me to treat others with the same love and grace I have received from God, because we are all in the same boat. All of us receive more than we deserve from God.

As those who have been forgiven, have experienced patience from God, and know his kindness, all in and because of Jesus, are called to show the same to others.

Ephesians 5:1-2, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Colossians 3:12-13, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Each one of us, if we really thought about it, could make an endless list of all that we receive and have from the Lord that we do not deserve. Two transformations ought to take place in our hearts because of this--we ought to have hearts of gratitude toward God and hearts of compassion toward others.