How can you ever forget it? Perhaps it was that time you needed to say something very important to someone you wanted to impress, and found yourself fumbling for words. Or maybe it was when you had to give that report in class, and your mind went blank. It might have been the party when you attempted the latest dance step, and failed miserably. Or how about that easy hoop you should have sunk, but completely missed just as the game whistle blew.
All of us have some of those moments that we’d rather not remember; moments that make us squirm with discomfort. We look with some envy at people whose lives seem to be touched with a special grace. It might be the colleague who can effortlessly “work the room” at any business function and is never at a loss for words. Or maybe it’s our friend who is a “hostess with the mostest.” Her functions always have the most delicious menu and the unique and perfect decorative touches.
On TV we watch professional dancers glide across the floor in a graceful waltz, or smooth quickstep. We see perfect golf swings, near 10 gymnastic routines, no-hit baseball games. There are vintage slow-motion shots of all-time great football duos like Roger Staubach-Drew Pearson and Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison that are sheer poetry in motion. Closer to home are those people like my wife, Sue, who seem naturally tuned in to others, and know when a small gift, or note of encouragement is just what someone needs.
The common denominator that all these people share is grace, the ability to move physically or socially in an almost perfect, effortless way. We look at them and wish we were gifted with their particular grace, and that our attempts at similar skills didn’t feel so forced and awkward. On our insides it just seems like things should come easier.
Grace is an attractive trait. It is conveyed in ease of bearing, effortless skill and consideration or thoughtfulness of others. People tend to exhibit it in isolated areas, but there was one person who possessed it in every aspect of his life. He is the face of grace. His name is Jesus Christ.
Jesus was aware of the needs of others and was never too busy to help them. He was so approachable and easy to be with, that even young children sought his company. He was brilliant, but always explained things to people in clear terms they could understand, without a condescending attitude. When hypocritical religious leaders asked him provoking questions, he answered them with such an unassuming eloquence and élan that they were left speechless.
John 1:14 describes Jesus this way: “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelled in our midst for a time. We saw His glory as Father God’s only Son, sent from His presence. He was full of grace and truth.”
God desires to fill you with His grace, the same grace Jesus exhibited. He wants to give you access to the same gifts of character and skill. “This good news that God is giving to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just like it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” (Colossians 1:6) Say, “yes” to His gift of grace and watch your life change!
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