Foreword: I apologize for any mix-ups that the name or contents of this may cause for the reader. God’s Grace is by no means for sale, it’s just posted like that to get your attention and help the brain juices start flowing.
“Grace for Sale (Not Really)”
Imagine walking down the street and suddenly finding someone with a sign that says “God’s Grace for Sale”. How would you react? Would you yell at the person holding up the sign with some well-chosen expletives? Would you ignore it as simply a disturbing image of what society has come to? Or would you go up and see what this is all about for one reason or another? You never know, it could be just a gimmick to help people realize the opposite.
All too many times we are seen as the “Judgmental Christians” or people who are trying to “save everyone” by shoving the Gospel down throats. Unfortunately, those are often the witnesses that get noticed by those not actively engaged in the Christian community. This may work for a small percentage of people, but for a lot of people, it takes time and good, solid friendships in order to go to Christ. Or it takes a dramatic, life-changing experience (like it did for me, but that’s another story).
If you are anxious to witness to someone by teaching the Gospel, step back for a minute. Is this something that God is pressing on your heart? Or is it a decision you’re making by yourself? If it’s the latter, then it may prove prudent to wait until God tells you do to do this. God knows what time these actions need to be taken and by whom. However much it hurts your heart, God may work with you to prepare the person to accept Jesus, but you may not be the one who bridges the gap in the end.
So, the next time you see someone standing with a sign that says “God’s Grace for Sale”, I invite you to stop and have a friendly discussion. If you’re uncomfortable with that scenario, just go on past without stopping. It may provide you with nothing more than an interesting conversation piece. Or it may provide you with the reminder that God’s Grace isn’t for sale, and there are too many out there who may not understand that point just yet. Simply make it a point to live the example of accepting God’s Grace, and you may just be the type of person that someone needs in order to accept God's Grace for him/herself.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Phillips