The other side of grace

We all talk about having God's grace, but there is something that is just as important as knowing you are in the grace of God: knowing when you have stepped out of grace.

No, I'm not talking about stepping out of salvation, but rather the pleasure and thus the provision of God. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit lets me know when I have grieved the heart of God and when I am walking away from the path of righteousness. Again, I'm not talking sin here, but rather leaving the highway of God's will and entering the detours of my will.

I count on sensing both the pleasure and the disapproval of God. Both perceptions keep me. When I become aware that the Lord has distanced Himself from me, then I say, "Alright, Master, where have I gone wrong." And as I look back at my tracks, He is faithful to show me the place to which I need to return.

Walking in God's grace is important and I live for that status. I don't ever want to get so calloused as to assume that everything I do is backed by divine favor. I want to be careful and vigilant.