When we do not grow in grace, undesirable roots will begin to grow on the inside of us contaminating the pure power of God’s presence. And not only will we be changed as the presence of grace fades in our lives, but those we influence may also be contaminated by the bitter results we experience.
Those who have a heart to follow the leadership of their Shepherd must be diligent to keep themselves focused on His grace.
Grace grows as we come before the throne of grace and enter God’s presence. Hebrews 4:16 tells us where to find grace: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (NKJV). We must absorb His love and His attitude. As we do, we will take on His character and compassion as He imparts to us His very heart to share with others.
It is in this new relationship of following the great Shepherd that we keep ourselves strong and secure. We live by the strength of His deposits within our hearts; deposits of His character that, when nurtured, become the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of our inner being.
Again to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul describes these expressions of the spirit life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NAS).
The real question is, do we really want to follow the Lord? Do we honestly want His will? Will we turn away from manipulating to get what we want and start trusting Him and His ways?
Most people would deny that they are going their own way; however, precious few are actually being led by the Lord in the paths of righteousness. As Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (NAS).
Jesus has given us an entrance to the throne of grace to obtain all the strength and resources we need. Now it is our decision to enter by faith and receive from Him. If you have fallen from grace, He is reaching out to pick you up and place you back on His path of righteousness once more.
