Tuesday, April 11 – 1 Corinthians 15:9-11

For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

There is something special about a notable figure being described as “down to earth.” This is a high compliment because we have seen how power, fame, and authority can lead people to forget where they came from. As Paul passed on this message of the resurrection, he recounted his testimony and the common thread evident at every step—the grace of God.

After some time walking in the faith, it can be easy to forget the common thread of God’s grace in our lives. The world encourages us to pat ourselves on the back for our accomplishments. When we do this in our faith, we take credit for what belongs to the Lord. Growing in our faith is not about achieving a “Super Christian” status or finding a place of influence for ourselves. It’s about the transforming work God changing us at every step. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Grace is not just something we received in the beginning, it’s something we receive at every point as we grow. Whether we feel like we have come far or struggle with feeling unworthy, God’s grace is continual, equipping us by the work of the Holy Spirit every step of the way.

• When have you recognized God’s grace at work in your life?
• How are you tempted to take credit for the work God has done in your life?
• Pray and thank God for His gift of grace.