When Do You Eat Your Fries?

Whenever I eat at McDonald's, In-N-Out, or Shake Shack (anyone getting hungry?), I always start by eating the fries first.

I sometimes finish all the fries first before taking a bite out of my burger. Why, you ask? Because the order is important. It makes the eating experience different. And I would say it just tastes better!

In what order do you eat your fries? Maybe you like to eat them together? Perhaps you like to put the fries into your burger? However you like it, the order is important, right?

This is also true when it comes to God's grace and growth.

Whoa, how did you just pivot from fries to God's grace? Wait for it!

Titus 2:11-12 says,

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

- Titus 2:11-12

This verse, for me, settles the matter of the balance of grace and growth.

Have you ever asked, "Why should I train myself spiritually when God is all about grace?"

"Doesn't God love me as I am?" "Why should I do the work of being discipled when I should be accepted for who I am?"

These are all questions I have asked my whole life! And they are excellent questions.

The truth of the matter is God's grace is for all. It is ONLY by God's grace we are saved. There are no good works or merits anyone needs to achieve to receive the grace of God. You can be of any age, any maturity, and be in any sin for God's grace to bring you to salvation. Isn't that awesome?! Right? Amen! I love that about Jesus.

However, Titus 2:11-12 reminds us once we receive this free gift, God urges us to be trained.

It says we need training to renounce, or say no to, ungodliness and worldly passions. We need training to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. These are areas that we don't just get good at - we need to grow in them. We need training.

So the order is important.

But get this: The grace of God saves us but also sanctifies us. Meaning we equally need God's grace to be saved and to be trained!

So, how are you training yourself spiritually this year?

For me, one small way I train my mindset every morning is to pray, "Jesus, I need you today." Whether I am brushing my teeth or in the car going to work, I make sure I verbally confess this prayer.

It is my way to train my mindset that I need God's grace to grow.

How are you training yourself spiritually this year?

As you heard Pastor Jared's Go First series, we now have a Go First leadership book to help you grow and be trained. Stop by the Go First Center and pick up a copy if you want to grow deeper this year.

His grace will help you to grow!

Pastor Sean

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