Down to Earth

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.        –   John 1:17 

General Norman Schwarzkopf commanded the United States Central Command during the Persian Gulf War. He also led the entirety of the coalition forces. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with a chest full of ribbons and four stars on his shoulders, “Stormin’ Norman” preferred sitting down to eat with his troops more than with the top brass. His humility was authentic, as he is said to have never assumed what he had to say was any more important than the words of the private across the table. 

Humility was key in the earthly life of Jesus. The Pharisees and other religious leaders scorned Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Ignoring rank, social status, culture’s acceptance, or labels, Jesus saw the individual. He was a Good Shepherd with compassion for His sheep. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a balance of grace and truth. The “Got Questions” commentary states, “An emphasis on grace alone can dissipate into a shallow and sentimental foundation where justice or truth is discarded. However, a focus only on truth can devolve into a cold, hardened dogma. Jesus’ character demonstrates the perfect balance of both grace and truth. He is ‘full‘ of both.” 

Author and theologian Randy Alcorn wrote, “Truth without grace breeds a self-righteous legalism that poisons the church and pushes the world away from Christ. Grace without truth breeds moral indifference and keeps people from seeing their need for Christ. Attempts to ‘soften’ the gospel by minimizing truth keep people from Jesus. Attempts to ‘toughen’ the gospel by minimizing grace keep people from Jesus. It’s not enough for us to offer grace or truth. We must offer both.” 

Spiritual truth arises from knowledge; spiritual grace is the application of such truth. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in this balance, so that, in love and humility, you will be His instrument that draws others to the Savior.