Grace at work

What is God's aim for his church?

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

God isn't looking for a well stocked display cabinet. He isn't aiming to grow a collection of people. He keeps working in us, to make us pure and active. In his grace, he doesn't stop. Through his grace he is at work - to bring us into his people, and then to remake us, so that we are pure and working for the good of all people. For his own glory.

God hasn't stopped working in us. So don't give up on the church, or anyone in the church when they disappoint or offend you.

God hasn't stopped working in me. So I must never think I have made it. I must never be complacent. Rather I must keep in step with his Spirit, say no to all that is ungodly and be eager to do what it is good.