As believers, we know that we have come to salvation only through God’s grace. It is available to those who have repented of sin and have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as the only atonement before a holy God. (Ephesians 2:8-9). That is my conviction because I believe that is what Scripture teaches.
But for the unbeliever, there is also grace. We refer to the belief that God withholds judgement and grants good things to all people (including even those who deny Him) as “common graces.” We don’t say this because they are common in the normal sense, but because they are common to humanity without regard to his or her belief or unbelief.
Simply put, God is gracious to all. He has given us many good things in this life that make our lives more enjoyable. Examples include institutions like family and government, good food, nice weather, shelter, seasons, music, laughter, and on and on. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above. That encompasses the redeeming work of Christ, obviously. But it also includes those “good” things that make our lives better.
I was recently thinking on this topic when our power was out for a few hours due to heavy winds and stormy weather. My first reaction was to be frustrated. Then I walked out on my front porch. That’s when I saw the line crew at the foot of the hill below my house working diligently to restore my electricity. I realized how much I appreciated their efforts in uncomfortable, and even dangerous circumstances.
I walked down the hill and thanked them for their work and offered them water or a soft drink. They had brought their own, but thanked me, nonetheless. As I watched them work, I realized that there are many in my life who define common grace. I’m referring to those whose jobs make my life better. I realized that God has gifted certain individuals with specific talents and abilities which greatly benefit me.
An obvious example are the musicians and artists, who entertain us and appeal to us aesthetically. But what about the more practical callings (for lack of a better word)? Certainly, your pastor is an example of God’s grace. Scripture says they are a gift from God (Ephesians 4:11) to the church. This is true even when they step on our toes! But, how about those who go about doing their job without great fanfare? How about those we don’t necessarily notice, but would notice if they weren’t there?
For example, if you had no mechanic, could you repair your car? I can tell you for a fact that I can’t do much other than add the windshield washer fluid. I need reliable people to work on my car. Thankfully, God has placed these people in my life.
How about the produce manager at your local grocery or the farmer at your local farmer’s market? Could you grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables? Some of you could. My daughter certainly could. I would struggle between my own shortcomings and the deer in the woods behind my house.
How about that police officer that strives to make our lives peaceful in a dangerous world? Even the one who gave you that speeding ticket. He did you a favor, although it may not have seemed like it at the time.
If you travel, how about the ticket agent or the flight attendant? Or the luggage handler? I know some of you have horror stories, but I’ve travelled abroad on numerous occasions and can count on just one hand the times I’ve had luggage problems. It’s a tough job. Would you do it?
Then there’s the chef or server at your favorite restaurant. It’s a hard job. Do you tip generously?
Here’s a big one. How about the sanitation worker who picks up your household garbage each week without fail? That’s a tough job that requires a tough person. Try to go on without that person blessing you with their hard work.
The list goes on. These are all, I believe, examples of common grace. As such, I should give thanks for all of them. I’m pretty inconsistent in doing so. But today, I’m taking a minute to thank God for all of these folks and for the rest of you who God has placed in my life to make it better. I’m also going to work a little harder to be a common grace in someone else’s life.
Blessings.