Grace Vs Law

As Christians we hear many sermons, Bible studies, discussions about God's grace and mercy. Grace - getting more than you deserve. Mercy - Not getting the punishment you deserve for your sin. Grace and mercy are a big part of serving God because we couldn't even come to him if it weren't for his grace. We don't deserve to approach him. We don't deserve to be a part of his family. Quite frankly, we don't deserve anything that God provides for us, but his grace covers us. God's grace truly is amazing, but somewhere we have come to believe that God's grace is an excuse to do what is comfortable for us and what comes easy. You speak what you know and you live what you believe, so even if you'd never admit it to yourself or others, our actions say something else. Somewhere, God's law has become second to his grace. We don't hear lessons on the Ten Commandments or the requirements we have as a part of our relationship with God. We have turned our nose up at legalism and rules and have decided that we will preach the nice, warm, fuzzy parts of the Bible and overlook the ones that make us less comfortable. And we forget that just as we expect God to provide for us and love us, he expects us to obey his law. The Old Testament talks a lot about the covenant relationship we have with God. And whether you want to see it or not, this covenant, like any other, has conditions. I'm not trying to say that we have to be perfect because I know we are imperfect people, but maybe, just maybe, we should revisit what it is that God is requiring of us. To many of us, the Ten Commandments seem like common sense. You know you shouldn't steal or kill or lie, but what about the one that says don't take God's name in vain? Everywhere I go the air is filled with God's name over and over, in vain, just like another curse word. It is so common that there is even a shortened way to take God's name in vain. We type OMG as fast as any other word and give it no second thought. I don't expect the world to live to God's standard but God's people should know better. God's grace doesn't make it okay to disobey his law. And my heart hurts for God. In the Old Testament, God's name was so holy, so revered, His people wouldn't say His name aloud. It was sacred and special. But we've made his name an expression of frustration or anger and not given him the due respect. We've replaced God's law with his grace and mercy instead of allowing both to live in unity as God intended. We have ignored the Holy Spirit, who convicts our hearts of sin, for so long, he doesn't even bother any more. As if we don't need to concern ourselves with our actions, but just count on God's grace and mercy to cover us. We've made God human and forgotten that he is God and he cannot stand our wickedness. Our sin hurts him and we are too busy or too comfortable to even notice. Yes, God loves us, and yes, he forgives, and yes, his grace and mercy cover us. But that is not license to live as you please and do what is your habit and what is normal. God, forgive us for making you one of us and not the awesome, holy God that you are. Forgive us for making you common and familiar.