Opportunities could be lost, privileges could be abused, and talents could be buried because of ignorance and negligence. Paul pleads, begs, and beseeches believers not to receive the grace of God in vain. (II Corinthians 6:1) Paul is interested in the growth and welfare of the disciples, which is why he was so humble as to beg. The word ‘vain’ means empty, without content, without purpose, and fruitless.
Gratefully receive: God’s grace is mercy shown to nil-deserving, ill-deserving and hell-deserving sinners. God’s grace is abundant and free. Nevertheless, if those who receive are not grateful and careful, they make it vain. Believers should receive the grace with love, humility, and enthusiasm and capitalize on it for their spiritual growth.
Work hard: Grace is not given as wages or reward for any work, past, present or promised for the future; it is given to encourage and empower to do work. Hence, Paul writes that he worked harder than other apostles so that his life and ministry would not be ruined or in vain. (I Corinthians 15:10) Doing good is the call of a believer, and should be done diligently, delightfully, and dedicatedly. Some think that doing nothing is safer than doing something wrong. Hence, they choose passivity. Instead, grace calls for repentance, active obedience, and complete surrender.
Sufficiency: Paul experienced sufficiency through grace despite his weaknesses, perhaps a chronic ailment. God’s power was manifest so that he could boast in his weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9) God’s grace empowers a person to be victorious over the present circumstances and temptations.
Abuse: Like any good gift, God’s gift of grace could be abused. Some foolishly argue that they will continue to live in sin so that grace may abound. (Romans 6:1) Such people falsely assume that grace licenses sin and claim that God has also forgiven all future sins.
Fresh and anew: God’s grace is fresh, provided daily. Yesterday’s grace would be inadequate to face the challenges of today. Believers should be disciplined to receive daily the heavenly resources to do all things, whether big or small.
Do I depend on and allow God’s grace to work through me optimally?