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…
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:4-8 NIV)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.
Pressing On! Dwayne