There are few things as difficult to reach as grace. That’s part of the point, really. If we were capable of reaching it easily, of reaching it at all, then we would not need it so much.

As with any other central aspect of Christianity, we find much around us that muddies our understanding of true grace. I’m uncomfortable when words like grace and redemption and blessing are elicited apparently to bolster some person or organization. It becomes nearly as bad as using a swear word, in that the power of something from God is used for selfish advantage.

Understandably, a word such as grace has a definition outside Christianity, but the power behind the word is largely due to its Christian context, to God’s awesome grace illustrated in changed hearts and lives. That clout is, intentionally or otherwise, present in the names of a wide variety of organizations that can be captured on the first couple of pages of a Google internet search. There are “Grace” computer programs, corporations (Grace Removals and Storage Company) and institutions, acronyms (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment), environmental initiatives, entertainment groups and shows, and even a cult.

Then one can scarcely think of grace without coupling it with amazing. We could certainly do much worse than have the number one hymn in the U.S. be “Amazing Grace.” It does highlight this vital doctrine, and with its poetic assonance it is quite catchy, too. But, especially in its popular use, this hymn pales in comparison to the grace of which it speaks.

I considered including some anecdotes of grace in my life, using people and places from my past. But I eventually awakened to the fact that few human actions even begin to illustrate God’s grace. There is simply nothing else like it. The Bible writers also acknowledged this when talking about God’s grace in Christ (e.g., Rom. 5:6-8).

I’m moved to poignant, joyful thanksgiving when I think that I do know true grace, as I have seen it at work in me. Whenever I think of something I accomplished, I must also remind myself of the grace that came before it. Regardless of how far back I can trace my accomplishments and abilities, God’s actions that made them possible are traced back farther. My very life I owe to Him.

Yet I so easily slip out of an awareness of grace. At times I’ve been horrified as I’ve realized that, just minutes after confessing a sin to God and being certain of His complete forgiveness and His Spirit’s presence at work in me, I’ve begun to count the subsequent goodness toward my pile of merit. I accept God’s grace to a point, and following that point desire works-righteousness (subconsciously), until I again see my foolish thinking and remember it is all of God’s grace.

I do not want to be one of God’s unmerciful servants (Matt. 18:21-35) who, having been forgiven much, acts self-righteously toward others I deem less worthy. When we speak of our eternal place before God, there is only one grace, and only One who is worthy. May the only grace by which we can stand, be the only grace on which we try to stand.