More Thoughts on Vowing into Grace
For the last few Sundays I’ve been blogging about The Vow, by Ed Gungor. I continue my thoughts on vowing into Grace today. Read the first part here.
Gungor says, “When you find an area you experience grace in and want to vow into it, you should spend sufficient time testing how the vow will really impact your life-to make sure it consistently communicates grace to your soul and does not become a soul-crushing legalism.”
He goes on to explain how he experimented with the Daily Office (setting aside specific times for prayer and meditation on God’s word.) Once again I thought about what I might be able to vow into. Sadly, I don’t feel much grace toward any of the spiritual, physical or emotional disciplines in my life. Though I guess I have found grace in exercising almost daily, but I don’t feel that’s an area I need to vow into to show my love to the Lord. I would love to make some dietary vows. I did experience grace in this area when it was lent, but sadly, once again, I’m not sure that grace would return. Maybe I’m too afraid of failure in that area since it’s been such a big issue with me. Maybe I’m not ready to vow into it because I would be doing it for selfish reasons more than to glorify God.
Gungor also says, “Vowing is not about solo human effort and legalism, and immature or struggling believers who do not yet understand being controlled by the rhythms of grace should not try to participate in them. If you are new to “grace” thinking, stay away from vowing for a season; it will only hurt you. Vowing is for the believer who, though not perfect, understands the impulse of grace and how to cooperate with that impulse, and has experienced the grace that transforms.”
More stuff to ponder…I think I fall somewhere in between. I think I know what Gungor is talking about. I guess I’m afraid of failure. Or not falling under this kind of grace. What do you think? What areas have you experienced grace in your life?
If you would like a copy of this book, then leave a comment. I will be picking a winner this week and in a future post.
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Happy Sunday! I am trying to understand his
May 4th, 2008 at 9:50 ammeaning of “Grace!” It sounds so deep. I do understand not making the commitment to an area in your life if you are not ready. I will think about this. Thanks,Cindi
I’ve had this book on my wish list for a while and your comments just increase my desire to read it. I think his ideas are intriguing and maybe just a little scary.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:25 amI have had so much grace in my life. I am trying to understand what this pastor is saying. I have heard so many wonderful things about him and his family from Maureen G.
Okay…here are a few things I have rcvd grace:
Forgave myself after divorce…
Strength to quit drinking and the party scene…
Overcame bulemia…
These are areas I still receive grace in. The grace saved my life I am sure.
I have rceived so much grace that it has transformed my life…
May 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pmCONTEST CLOSED!
Karen D is our winner!
May 5th, 2008 at 8:39 pmHello Gina,
I was so delighted to see you blogging about my book. And I love the honesty in your approach. I’m such an anti-legalist that the book was quite the challenge for me to write…I know I’m onto something, but it bumps up so closely to performance that I still cringe a bit when the topic comes up.
You are handling it so beautifully you give me hope!
Grace to you…
Ed Gungor
May 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pmwww.edgungor.com