Personal Grace of God

Scripture: But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7

Observation: Paul has just concluded a discussion about unity in the church, declaring that all of us have one and the same Lord, salvation, community, faith, baptism, father. However, he quickly follows this by indicating that we all receive different and unique grace. He discusses some of the spiritual gifts, but only those associated with church leadership (apostleship, teaching, evangelism, prophesy), which exist to edify and equip the church.

Application: Last night at Alpha, I was asked one of those direct questions that the table members wouldn't let me duck ... brought up for the second week in a row, they directly wanted to know what I thought about the way God spoke to people. It is a topic I struggle with, since I believe God doesn't speak to me as he does to others. However, I responded with what I believe to be true: God has a unique and personal relationship with each of us, and therefore our interaction with him is personal to us. While prayer and reading the bible contribute to listening to God, the interaction is personal because God's relationship with each of us is personal.

Paul's words support this. He says that we may all be part of a shared body of Christ with the same faith, however our grace ... blessing, love, gifts ... from Christ is unique. It is personal to us.

I do not know what that says about me, if I struggle to hear God's word and I receive a personal interaction with God "according to the measure of Christ's gift." I just know I can't compare my relationship with God to others, despite our shared faith. I must not positively or negatively compare my journey, my experienced, my struggles, my doubts, my hopes, my worship, my prayers, my sins, my discipline, my heart, my insecurities, my confidence, my sorrows, my anger, my joy, my service, my failures. I believe we all have these, and they are unique to us and part of my unique relationship with my Lord, and I can only work with him to resolve and improve that relationship.

Prayer: Lord, I seek a better relationship with you. I desire to be closer to you and your word and your heart. May all these things, which are part of that relationship, find a personal resolution by your grace. Amen.