It’s hard to know where those 104 days of summer vacation went, but our students, teachers, and staff are all back to school.
Hopefully the kids haven’t forgotten their “gazindas” (as in 4 gazinda 12 three times). We’ve been blessed with lots of sunshine-chances to hit the beach. Now it’s time to hit the books. School takes effort–daily effort–but school also means new experiences with friends, conquering fresh challenges, and learning from teachers who are there to help.
As it turns out, our faith in Christ also enrolls us in school: a school of grace. Paul writes to Titus, “the grace of God has appeared . . . training us” (Titus 2:11-12). Grace, we know, is God’s powerful kindness to us that we never earn. He gives us this divine kindness as a free gift—especially the grace of Jesus going to the cross for our sins.
So, God’s loving grace appeared in Jesus taking away our sins, but this doesn’t mean we should take the grace and selfishly act like we’re entitled to more. No, grace means giving, and we reflect hearts changed by grace when we give our hearts over to God. This is what grace is training us to do.
We see God’s sweet mercy offered freely to us, and we want to be changed for Him. Thus, grace trains us “to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives now” (Titus 2:12). This school of grace will bring us into close fellowship with other believers (like best friends at school). God’s grace strengthens us in whatever trials we face (1 Peter 4:10). And God Himself will be our patient Teacher and Guide (Revelation 7:17).
We need to learn and grow. Thankfully, the school of grace is always in session.
