Salvation is entirely a gift from God that we receive by faith alone in Jesus. To go on from there and to flourish in the faith, however, calls for a consistent effort on our parts

4 min read

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

-Romans 12:2, NET

When Drew was young in the faith, nobody told him what he could expect next. Or, if they did tell him, he didn’t hear them.

He mistakenly assumed that his growth and development as a new Christian would just kind of take care of itself. He figured whatever was supposed to happen next would just happen, by some automated spiritual process or something.

But after several months went by, Drew found himself in a tough spot. He was losing traction fast. He faced some personal issues and his new relationship with Jesus didn’t seem to be helping much, if at all.

In fact, it seemed like maybe it was even making his life harder?

That’s when a friend asked him how it was going. When he responded, “Not very well,” the friend did what any good friend would do.

He gently probed.

Drew’s friend asked him to describe what a typical day in his life looked like. After reflecting for a minute, Drew did his best to give the run-down of his normal schedule. “That’s about it,” he said.

“When do you focus on the Lord?” his friend asked. “I mean, when do you give some time to your spiritual life and to strengthening your faith?”

To that Drew didn’t know what to say. Caught off-guard by the question, all he could get out was a “Well, uhhhh…”

Active Participants

It was a learning opportunity for Drew. He just needed a friend to help him understand that to get the most out of his new relationship with God, he would need to begin putting something into it.

As the conversation continued, his friend explained “Like any meaningful relationship, our relationship with God is mutual and two-directional. If we’re going to grow, it requires something of us.”

“But wait,” Drew said, “I thought we’re not supposed to rely on our own good works in our relationship with God.”

“That’s absolutely right,” his friend responded. “Jesus did everything necessary for our salvation on the cross. We can add nothing to that by our good works. We receive the gift of salvation by faith, plain and simple.”

The friend went on, “But that’s not the end of it. Once we’ve been given new life in Christ, we actively participate with God in this beautiful but hard process of learning, growing, and changing. Yes, we’re saved by grace, but we grow by choice. If we’re passive about it, sadly we will remain under-developed disciples of Jesus.”

He continued, “What’s the point of all the Bible studies, the worship services, the volunteering and giving at church, and the personal devotion and prayer times that we talk about? Collectively, all these things contribute to our growth in the Lord. And growth is what He wants for us. Sometimes the growth is hard to see, but it’s happening. Slowly and gradually, a transformation is underway.”

A New Theme

After processing his friend’s input for a minute, Drew looked at him and said, “That makes a lot of sense, thanks for clearing it up for me.” His friend replied, “Glad to help.”

Drew grinned and said, “You know, I think you’ve given me an idea for my next tattoo.” “Really? What’ll it be?” his friend asked. He said,

“Saved by grace, growing by choice.”

Pointing to a clear space on his forearm, he said, “It’ll fit nicely right here.“

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.