Five Ways to Relax in God’s Grace

In Hebrews 12:15 I read, “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace.” (NCV)

How do I learn to “R.E.L.A.X.” in the liberating grace of God?

Realize nobody’s perfect. Psalm 119:96 is a verse directed toward God, and it declares, “Nothing is perfect except your words” (TLB). What society tells me isn’t perfect. What popular opinion tells me isn’t perfect. What I learned growing up isn’t perfect. But God’s Word is perfect. When I get in the Bible and build my life on it, I will have a perfect foundation.

Enjoy God’s unconditional love. The Bible says, “See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children—think of it—and we really are!” (1 John 3:1 TLB). As a follower of Christ, I take on a role of service to him, but I’m more than a servant! The Bible says I become a child of the King. A servant is accepted on the basis of what they do; a child is accepted on the basis of who they are. A servant starts the day anxious and worried that their work will please their master; a child rests in the secure love of their family. A servant is accepted because of his workmanship; a child is accepted because of their relationship.

Let God handle things. What do I do about the uncontrollable things in life? “Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). When I’m fishing and I cast a line, there comes a point where I have to take my finger off the button and let it go. Just like the essence of casting is letting go, to overcome perfectionism I have to let go and let God do his work.

Act in faith, not fear. Remember how I got into God’s family in the first place. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (NIV). Grace is the only way to get into heaven. I’ll never be good enough, and I can’t buy my way in. It’s a free gift from God.

Exchange my perfectionism for God’s peace. Perfectionism destroys peace. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest . . . Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (The Message). What a deal!

I’m going to fail a lot in life. But I don’t have to worry about it if I’ve received God’s grace. In fact, there’s only one failure I ever need to worry about: “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace” (Hebrews 12:15 NCV). Receive it right now, and then relax!

In summary, I am to be careful that I fail to receive God’s grace. How do I learn to do this or to  “R.E.L.A.X.” First, realize nobody’s perfect. What society, popular opinion and what I learned growing up isn’t perfect. But God’s Word is. When I build my life on it, I will have a perfect foundation. Second, enjoy God’s unconditional love. I take on a role of service to him, but I’m more than a servant! I become a child of the King. A servant is accepted on the basis of what they do; a child is accepted on the basis of who they are. A servant is accepted because of his workmanship; a child is accepted because of their relationship. Third, let God handle things. What do I do about the uncontrollable things in life? “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for me” Just like the essence of casting is letting go, to overcome perfectionism I have to let go and let God do his work. Fourth, act in faith, not fear. Remember it is by grace that I have been saved, through faith” Grace is the only way to get into heaven. I’ll never be good enough, and I can’t buy my way in. It’s a free gift from God. And fifth, exchange my perfectionism for God’s peace. Perfectionism destroys peace. I’m going to fail a lot, but I don’t have to worry about it if I’ve received God’s grace. There’s only one failure I ever need to worry about and it to fail to receive God’s grace” 

In reflection, so many of these things are not natural to me. I need to learn to relax, enjoy, let, act and exchange the items mentioned above. The key is that God unconditionally loves me with his never ending unfailing love. I need to build this notion into my life.  Father, I ask this morning for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions, my future job role and leading a small group. I ask these things in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.