Tensions!

I often realize that we live within various kinds of “tensions.” And, I’m not referrring to being stressed! What I am referring to is that we can’t lean too far one direction or another without running into trouble.

For example, if someone lives in a “greasy grace” mentality as my friend Pastor Jim calls it, but they go about sinning and just relying on grace and forgiveness, they are still going to be forgiven but have quite a mess of a life. Living in the tension between grace and obedience is actually not really an “in between” place after all, though.

It turns out that when you fully grasp grace, you want to be obedient. But the obedience doesn’t come out of fear or the desire to earn something. It just becomes a tension that is doable because that’s how God made us!

There are lots of these kinds of things that I notice. Jesus came to give us an abundant life but we also know that along with it comes suffering. That is a tension.

Being attached to the vine means that apart from Him we can do nothing but with His power we can do anything He asks!

Yes, the tensions that I refer to might sound difficult to comprehend but it amazes me how God makes them make sense!

jennie