I serve as a Young Women leader in our church -- that means I get to hang out with teenage girls. Today our Sunday lesson was on Grace. The principle, not the girl.
The analogy that was discussed just made so much sense to me, that I wanted to try to re-capture it.
Paraphrasing Brad Wilcox:
If a mom paid for her daughter to take piano lessons, she has the right to ask for something in return. She doesn't demand that her daughter pay her back, but she does expect her to practice. By practicing the best she can--however many mistakes she makes--the daughter shows her mom that she appreciates what she has done for her.
Similarly, Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins. He, too, can expect something in return. He knows that we can never pay Him back. All He asks is that we follow Him and keep His commandments, no matter how many mistakes we make along the way.
The mother's joy is not found in seeing her gift repaid, but in seeing it used--seeing her daughter improve. She doesn't expect her daughter to play perfectly before she is allowed to touch the piano. She just wants her to keep using the gift--keep practicing.
Likewise, our Saviour desires to see us improve by using the gift He has given us. He doesn't expect us to be perfect, but he does expect us to keep trying, to keep practicing. I think that's the least we can do to show our appreciation for His incredible gift!
Dixie
And just for fun......
