Put Yourself in the Way of Grace

I’m not a dog-lover.

Our family never had any when I was a kid, and I was bitten in the rear by a dog when I was 4 while pedaling on my red tractor.

My wife loves dogs, which is why we have 2. I think this qualifies me for some kind of award. To me dogs = hassle. They take away precious time from more important things like TV. They press their slimy cold noses against my hand and if I’m not vigilant, lick me. I’d rather handle dead squids than have dogs lick me.

For some reason, one of our dogs, Joanna, has designated me the Alpha dog. She craves any paltry crumbs of affection I give her. No matter how many people are in a room, she parks herself in front of me, earnestly staring at me, tail wagging, hoping for a touch. Though I assiduously ignore her, she’s always waiting in the hallway for me to get home, again wagging her tail. When I walk past her and start up the stairs, she darts ahead of me to and parks herself on the bed, in case I might want to pet her.

She’s always putting herself in my way. And sometimes in moments of madness, I cave in and pet her for a few minutes. Then I come to my senses again.

We can put ourselves in the way of grace, which God delights to pour out on us. We put ourselves in the way of grace by taking advantage of “means of grace” - things like Bible reading and meditation, prayer, worship, fellowship, listening to preaching, sharing in communion.

These practices are means or conduits by which God gives grace to us. Grace is free and undeserved. Reading the Bible doesn’t earn grace, but when we read the Bible, it positions us to receive the grace of God’s encouragement, wisdom, and conviction. Praying prepares us to receive God’s gracious answers. Fellowshipping with believers positions us to be stirred or encouraged by God through them.

We never force God to give us his grace, but we can put ourselves in the way of it. And there’s a big difference between my dog putting herself in my way and us putting ourselves in way of God’s grace. I’m not inclined to cuddle with and pet my dog. But God is anxious to pour out his grace on us. He’s poised and waiting to give good things to his children. So let’s take advantage of the means God has graciously given us to receive his blessings.

photo by jypsygen