Wages vs. Gift

July 16th, 2023

Wages, that for which we work willingly or otherwise. Some work hard, not aware that whatever this world pays it frustrates hope and generates strife. So they work even harder, consume more time, and fail to “smell the roses.” Trying always to get ahead, not realizing that jealousy, pride of possession, and more money fade as age draws each of us closer to reality. At some point we should consider the wages of sin (Romans 6:23)! But, that is something we choose to put off until it is too late. Like the man who decided to go on a business trip to buy, sell, and get gain, not realizing it was in vain because his life was ending; or the one who decided to tear down his barns to build bigger but died that very night. This world’s rewards may be vigor and longevity, but “all have sinned and the wages of sin is death.” So does it seem wise to continue being greedy, selfish, and self-willed? Perhaps we should reconsider and begin accepting “the free gift of God.” Look, it cannot be earned, it is a gift. God’s grace freely given to all, Christ Jesus. He, the gift for us even while we were vile, asks what our response will be. Will we continue in sin or accept His abundant grace? Should sin dominate our waking hours or do we desire that the Holy Spirit direct our footsteps? By now, we are surely aware that we cannot direct our own steps. We are like the blind leading the blind unless we are directed by the Word of God. “The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6). Yielding to the Word more often than to sin must be our objective while still in the flesh (Romans 7). It is a choice and we can be overcomers, not by our own power or might, but with the empowerment of following Christ. If we profess to follow, we “ought to walk as He walked.” His grace is great and sufficient to cover all my sin, (Romans 6:15-23) but should I willy-nilly engage in sin because grace abounds? “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). Grace is a gift so let us be grateful and consciously choose to obey rather than to sacrifice because this pleases our Lord.

Kenneth E. Morrison