First-Class Grace

"Grace means undeserved kindness. It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees he is unworthy of God's favor." - Dwight L. Moody

Flying across the country is a challenge, especially for people with long legs. I fly enough to have some status with the airlines, but not enough to get free upgrades to first class very often.

But a few weeks ago, the gate agent called my name and offered me a seat in the front of the plane – lots of legroom, wide seats, warm nuts before takeoff, and a meal. I didn’t deserve that, but I liked it!

I didn’t pay extra for the seat; I didn’t do anything to earn it. The airline gave me the free gift. God’s grace is that way. If we paid for it or earned it, grace wouldn’t be grace.

Paul reminded the Ephesians and us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This illustration (like all analogies) breaks down in the details. I could have bought a first-class ticket and enjoyed the blessings of first class without the airline’s grace. But in our lives, we cannot get on the plane apart from grace. Trust God and enjoy the ride.