Discipline and Grace

Are the goals we’re setting out to achieve given by God, or are they merely from ourselves?

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Studies have shown that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Many people have written about techniques to achieving our big goals, including naming them differently, approaching them differently, and viewing them differently. But I believe we need to look at this issue through a different lens.

While there may be validity to many of these perspectives, the approach that’s neglected the most is the realm of the spirit.

Self-discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:23 makes that clear. So, why do many believers still struggle to stay on course with their commitments? While there are, undoubtedly, many reasons, perhaps the biggest one is our misunderstanding of grace.

Yes. Grace—the thing you learned about years ago and then moved on because you thought you had it all figured out.

Most believers think of grace primarily in relation to their salvation. Thank God for His grace in our salvation! But that’s meant to be the beginning of our journey of living by grace.

The apostle James wrote to believers, “He gives us more and more grace” (James 4:6, AMP). In other words, there is more grace available than what you already have! Peter takes it to another level by writing, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you” (2 Pet. 1:2). This is even better news. Grace can not only be added to our lives; it can be multiplied!

Grace is not limited to receiving favor instead of judgment in terms of our eternal destination. It’s receiving unmerited favor to draw closer to God each day and carry out every God-given assignment in our lives.

No matter how big or small the task may be, if it’s led by God, you will have supernatural grace to go beyond your natural ability in an extraordinary way that brings glory to Him. But the key phrase above is “God-given.” There are good ideas, and there are God’s ideas.

This is what it comes down to for believers: Are the goals we’re setting out to achieve given by God, or are they merely from ourselves? If they’re coming out of our own souls, then there will never be supernatural grace to achieve them, no matter how noble they may be.

If God’s not in it, you can’t really win it.

BUT…

If you’ve spent time with Him to hear what His plans are for you this year, then, by all means, write those things down, go after them, and the grace of God will be there to bless you and carry you beyond what you could do on your own!

It’s almost like cheating! But it’s not. Imagine if God told you that if you entered a certain Nascar race, He would supernaturally move your car along faster than the others. You’d still have to drive and steer with immense focus. But when you won first place, you’d give all glory to Him because you knew what gave you the ability to get there.

But if you weren’t listening to God, and you thought that same empowerment would be there for any race you competed in, you’d be sadly mistaken. Imagine if you started entering street races, track and field competitions, etc. because you assumed God would enable you to win anything you set out to do for Him. You’d be scratching your head as you crossed the finish line last in utter confusion. You might even quit mid-race.

Yes, success takes our cooperation. We are told to discipline ourselves (1 Tim. 4:7-8). But we will only go the distance and shine as we’re called to long-term if we are in the specific lane that God’s assigned to us.

So, instead of only contemplating goals, why not contemplate what God has spoken to you in your past so you can find where the grace is and fulfill your destiny in the future?

 

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on EJ Ministries 

Featured Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay

 

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Paul Rumore is an author and speaker. Paul and his wife, Nicole, are also co-founders of Enjoying Jesus Ministries, which exists to proclaim and carry the glory of the infinitely joyful triune God, resulting in people knowing Him intimately and walking out the First Commandment.