On my mind today…showstoppers. You know, those things that warrant attention and seem to demand validation. Maybe it’s a new sports car with all the bells and whistles, maybe it’s a big diamond ring, maybe it’s a motorcycle or boat or other recreational vehicle. Maybe it’s a designer purse, clothing or shoes or an expensive home.
All things bright, shiny or new deemed worthy of value in the eyes of the world. There is probably a time in our lives when we have all desired such things, pursued and even obtained such things. Somehow these things make us feel important, make us feel worthy, make us feel admired, make us feel successful or some other sought measure. And sadly for some, lack of these temporary idols brings feelings of insecurity and unworthiness.
I was pondering something I read last night and I believe the real showstopper is nothing we can ever gain in and of ourselves, I believe it’s priceless and yet we cannot purchase it. It’s not temporary like the things of this world, but eternal. I believe the real show stopper is…grace. The grace of our Heavenly Father.
It’s given to us, not acquired on our own. We can’t purchase it, it has been purchased for us.
The receiving of God’s grace changes who we are. We think different, we act different, our priorities change. It’s not because we have to pay this price of rule following to have His grace, it’s because we know there is nothing more satisfying. We don’t have to be “good” enough, we just have to be willing to receive it–REALLY receive it. This is more than “knowing” He offers it, more than “knowing” He paid the price for our sins, it’s so. much. more. His grace is transforming. No showstopper we could ever have or acquire compares to the security and contentment of His grace and the aligning of our lives with His will.
Grace is also the “showstopper” in the sense that you can stop the madness…stop the endless pursuit of things, status, success. You can stop striving for more…because grace is enough. It ends the pretentiousness of impressing others and/or finding your value and worth in what you do or what you have. There is no need for that anymore. You know those things are temporary and refuse to buy into the enemies lies and promises of status and validation. You know you have a royal birthright, you know you are precious and honored in His sight, You know He has called you by name. You know nothing, absolutely nothing this world offers compares to that and you KNOW you are worthy, simply because you are a child of God.
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Marla Geiger 