As children, we would loudly boast: “I can run faster than you.“ “ I have more toys than you.” “I’m taller than you.”

Not much has changed. Now all grown-up, we quietly still boast:  “I pay someone to do my running for me.” “I have the bigger toys.” “I’m thinner/fitter/wealthier.”

We gain our value by comparing ourselves to those without acquired or natural advantages. We revel in what DNA or ancestors have lent us for a moment. 

But Jesus offers each of us a gift for which no bragging is allowed:  “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). No leap of faith is measured. No marathon of duty gets us closer to the goal. No list of good things done—or bad things left undone—adjusts our destiny.

Grace can’t be earned, is unavailable for sale, and never is inherited. Grace is God’s gift, and free to all who take it.

In God’s economy, I gain it all by faith in Him “who loved me and gave Himself to save me” (Gal 2:20)

So stay in grace. -Bill Knott