Redemptive Relationships

There's a point in time when we recognize our need for grace. We may not initially recognize the depth of our need. We do recognize that our own efforts to fill that "God specified space" in our life isn't working. It's at that point where we come to God for His grace - which He gives in abundance. The only requirement is to acknowledge my need for God, made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My efforts are worthless at this point, because they can not provide what God has already offered freely..

Rev. Fred Craddock said once:

"We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $10,000 bill and laying it on the table – “Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $10,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there…Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time.”

The giving of ourselves in 25 cent increments is at the heart of the redemptive relationship concept. Which is why the coupon illustration works so well. God is the "manufacturer" of grace. When you come to realize that you need this grace, you form a redemptive relationship with Him that would be similar to the "retailer." Part of your agreement in the redemptive relationship with God is to "broker" this magnificent grace you've been given through your earthly relationships. Your availability, signified by your surrendered heart, puts the manufacturer in motion. The work of the Holy Spirit, produces fruit that fills your heart. It's the Holy Spirit that "stocks your shelves." But having fully stocked shelves isn't enough!

To have a good relationship with a manufacturer, the retailer has to move the product. The store must maintain open hours, provide a means for transferring the valuable product to the customer, and the really good retailers will have a good reputation. We too, out of gratitude for what we received, learn to open our hearts, brimming with God's abundant grace, and allow the gifts of the Spirit to be transferred into another's life. It would be nice if this was simply and automatic process, but it's not. Most business people have to go through a tedious process of writing a business plan. It lays out the details of the vision for the business, how expected transactions will take place, what is needed to to accomplish the vision, and who is involved in securing the success of the business. It's an important communication tool for the entrepreneur.

I think many professing Christians don't realize that they need a plan for effectively dispensing God's grace in their lives. It could be stated that more time and energy is invested into the physical "business" of our lives than this concept of being a good steward of God's grace. We'll pursue that thought in the next entry.