“By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.” Ecclesiastes 10:18

In conclusion, it is imperative to note that a man can either grow in grace, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18:

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…”

Or fall from grace, as seen in Galatians 5:4:

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

The individual concerned is the determinant of whether he or she is going to grow in grace or fall from it. How do you grow in grace? You grow in grace by activating God’s grace in your life. How do you fall from grace? You fall from grace by not stirring up the grace that is already bestowed upon you; for … through idleness a building decays (Ecclesiastes 10:18 NIV).

However, the fastest way to fall from grace is through pride. That is why James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud…”

I pray that God will not resist you. The Bible in Romans 8:31 says:  “… God be for us, who can be against us ?”

If God resists or is against you, anything and everyone will be against you. Give no place to pride; it is a destroyer. Refuse to fall from grace but rather grow in it. Do not waste God’s investment in your life. His grace has been made readily available, since the day you accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you grow in and stir up the grace of God on your life. Life is a product of personal responsibility. No one can grow or stir up the grace of God for you. You owe yourself the responsibility to ensure your personal growth.

However, grace is not a cover for rebellion and wilful disobedience! Grace does not allow the believer to do whatever he or she wants, such as sinning against God, others and his or her conscience. Grace is not given so that men can indulge in sin, without serious consequences. Paul said,

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid…” Romans 6:1-2

To continue in wilful sin and rebellion against God, yet consider yourself secured and saved by grace is actually … turning the grace of God into lewdness according to Jude v 4. Grace is not divine tolerance of sin, o licence to keep sinning. Remember, without doing the will of God you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

However, when you confess your sins, God cleanses and forgives you and when you are fully committed to Christ, grace covers your failings. Grace is a spiritual force that pardons us and at the same time empowers us to live right. Like Apostle Paul, my sincere prayer is that:

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” 2 Thessalonians 3:18

Read this inspiring testimony of a man who took responsibility; he gave his life to Christ and his life changed for the better….

This text is an extract from the book “GROWING IN GRACE” written by Faith A. Oyedepo. 
We invite you to read the following article “THE SOURCE OF GRACE.“