October 27

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:41-48; Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Proverbs 26:17 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14 NIV).  

The orange juice growers had a series of commercials that ended with this line: “It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” It was their way of telling us that orange juice, usually a drink to begin the day, was also a good choice for the rest of the day. There’s a sense in which I’d like to use that slogan to describe grace.

We usually think of grace in terms of salvation–the beginning of our journey of faith. Of course, we are saved by grace–an important truth. It is the undeserved benefit of God on our behalf that brings God’s blessing of salvation. But that is just the beginning of grace. We need grace for all of our life– it’s not just for salvation.  If you will, “it’s not just for breakfast anymore.”

Grace not only saves us, it teaches us to say “no” to sin. It equips us to have the resources to say “no.” Each day we are confronted by choices–tempted by sin. Living by grace enables us to say no to sin.

It also trains us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (12). Grace mentors and strengthens our steps as we make right choices. It enables us to obey as we rely on God’s resources—his grace.

Finally, it even works in our desires, making us zealous for good deeds, or as the NIV puts it, “eager to do what is good” (14). Isn’t that amazing? God, by his grace, works to make us eager to do his will. Of course this involves a choice, and there are other choices out there. But God’s grace is there to encourage choices that are wise and good.

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good.  It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life.

Father, thank you for the never-ending benefits of your amazing grace. May it train me in the virtues of Christ-like living that I might be able to say “No” to sin and to live a godly, self-controlled and upright life in this present age while I wait for the blessed hope. Give me the grace to be eager to do what is good. Amen.