We’ve spent the last two weeks on an incredible path together. We started by moving from a religion about God to a relationship with Him. Then, we talked about aiming higher, unlearning old habits of judgment to relearn how to love. Now, we arrive at the most exciting part: the change that love brings.
There’s a common misconception about faith. Some people think that embracing grace means lowering the standard. They believe that because God’s love is unconditional, it doesn’t matter how we live. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you truly encounter the love of Jesus, you don’t change the bar. You change yourself.
It’s Not About Lowering the Standard
Let’s be clear: God’s standard is perfect. It’s a standard of pure love, absolute holiness, and complete righteousness. None of us can meet that on our own. That’s why we need grace in the first place. But accepting grace isn’t a free pass to do whatever we want. It’s the starting line for transformation.
Think of it like this. If a world-class coach takes you on, they don’t lower their expectations to match your current ability. They see your potential and give you the training, encouragement, and strategy to rise to a new level. They believe in you, and that belief inspires you to become better.
God’s love works in a similar, but infinitely more powerful, way. He doesn’t say, “You can’t meet my standard, so I’ll just get rid of it.” Instead, He says, “You can’t meet my standard on your own, so I will come and live in you, and together, we will get you there.” That’s the heart of the Gospel. Love doesn’t erase the standard; it empowers us to meet it.
Join us Sunday for the conclusion of this series. I’ll save a seat for you!
P.S. – This is a GREAT series to INVITE a friend to. If you know someone who questions “organized religion,” then this series is for them!