Work & Wages

I’ve watched the debate about “minimum wage” go on in this country for many years. As a teenager, I didn’t understand it. As I got older and more educated I realized what a gift that it is to some people. As a business owner, I see it from a quite different position.  This whole thought process came to my mind as I read more of Paul’s explanation of salvation by grace instead of work. He makes it clear that wages are expected when you work. Check this out…

Paul makes a very valid point. If a person is hired to do a job, and they do it – wages are expected because they are earned.  I think Grace that is “earned” is not really grace – it’s work that is honored and credited to the person as righteousness.  I really want to “work for God”, but I’m not working FOR my salvation. I’m working for Him BECAUSE of my salvation. There is a HUGE difference in these two terms.

I don’t deserve GRACE. I deserve my wages after working. This whole thought process makes me try to discern the value of Grace.  It’s like a ridiculous bonus paycheck that makes no sense. As I understand the Word, I receive Grace because I believe in Jesus. I don’t have to “do” a darn thing, but because I believe in God, He gives me this ridiculous bonus called GRACE. I will work out my salvation because this Gift of Grace blows me away. I will keep pursuing the heart of God Who loves me like that.