We often grumble because we don’t get what we want. Instead, we should be thankful that we don’t get what we deserve. The Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is death…” (Rm. 6:23). Since “all have sinned” (Rm. 3:23), we ought to be especially grateful that, in Christ, we do not get what we truly deserve.
While modern man is trying to redefine sin and restructure God’s commandments, the Bible clearly says that “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 Jn. 3:4). Sin is not determined by popular opinion, but by the word of God. God rebukes those in Isaiah’s day who called “evil good, and good evil” (Is. 5:20). Today, many have been afflicted with the same twisted sense of morality. We need to get serious about discovering what the Bible teaches about sin rather than trying to make the Bible say what we think it ought to say.
Being delivered from the penalty of sin involves knowing and obeying the truth. Jesus said that “the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). The truth, as it is embodied in Christ and His word, can set us free from the penalty of sin. However, we must accept it by faith. Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). Faith is the means by which grace is appropriated. Biblical faith is known by its obedience (Jas. 2:18). Consequently, ours must be a faith that works through love (Gal. 5:6).
Grace is a beautiful concept. It is not cheap. Neither should it be taken for granted. Instead, it must be accepted by means of an active faith. Grace and gratitude are inseparably connected in as much as only those who have been sufficiently impressed with the grace of God will respond with overflowing expressions of thankfulness and love.
Rather than grumbling or complaining about life’s difficulties or hardships, focus instead on the grace of God as it is extended to us through Jesus Christ. In Christ, we can always be grateful that we do not get what we truly deserve!
–Glen Elliott–