Grace For Every Moment

Growing daily, smashing “worthless idols”

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” (Jonah 2:8-9)

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

A colleague at the YMCA closes her voicemail message with the thought, “Have a great day, and grow in grace.”* It’s an encouraging reminder based on Peter’s words above. A life of following Jesus is not designed to be a stagnant, backwater life, but a steady stream of growth, day by day, into the grace and knowledge of our Lord, reflecting more and more of “Christ in us, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). And what of Jonah’s sobering, penetrating words about the “worthless idols” that keep us from growing into grace? Perhaps a heart examination is in order. Are any “weeds” wrapped around our souls, blocking out the sun, keeping us from blossoming? Are we clinging to any destructive thought patterns or habits—pride, fear, materialism, the pursuit of fleshly “comforts”—that are hindering us from opening fully to the joy, peace and strength that our gracious God intends for us?

Lord Jesus, Peter said it well in his letter: GLORY to you both now and forever! Help us, O God, to grow in grace today, stronger and more confident in You. And show us, we dare pray, any “worthless idols” that need to be shattered and cleansed from our lives. Grant us strength to smash them, for we would not forfeit the grace that could be ours. Amen.

*Dawana Wade, a.k.a. ‘Young D.W.’: Thanks for the inspiration.