One of the pitfalls of which we Christians must constantly be aware is the temptation to depend upon successful programs and activities. We get involved with our church programs and we can begin to think that everything is going well. We attend church services, go to Bible studies, work on service projects, join small groups, and experience some inner satisfaction. We might even believe that we are getting the hang of this thing called spiritual growth, but all the while, we can be missing the Main Thing. Today, let’s take a moment and listen to a practical reminder of how we can grow stronger in our relationship with God:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. (Heb. 13:8-9)
I love the ESV translation, especially the phrase, “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.” Is your heart being strengthened by grace? This is a good reminder for us that religious activity can never be a substitute for the grace of Jesus at work in our lives. When the writer of Hebrews says that we are strengthened by grace and not by foods he isn’t talking about eating meals to grow physically stronger. He’s talking about a religious way, in this case Jewish, of thinking about foods from which they had to abstain on certain days, and other foods which must be eaten on other days. When I was growing up, the Catholic kids I knew didn’t eat meat on Fridays—they ate fish. Much of what we do outside the realm of food can be ceremonial, too. Going to church three times a week doesn’t make you a stronger Christian than the person who is going once a week. Being on a committee doesn’t make a person a better follower of Jesus than the person who isn’t on a committee. So what makes us stronger? Spending time with Jesus, following Him, going where and when He says go, and doing what He says to do, engaging in spiritual disciplines like regular prayer and meditation. These things invite the grace of Jesus into our lives. You and I cannot create strength; we can only receive strength from Him through grace. Here’s the paradox: in order for you and for me to grow stronger we must surrender to Him. How will you be surrendering to Jesus—and receiving his grace—today?
“When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure.”