I think one of the most challenging problems is to get Christians, well actually everyone, out of the average basket. Most believers and non believers think that if they do one thing, the rest is automatic. Maybe this is why they also think. I give my life to Jesus and then everything will be OK! Truth is FAR away removed from that. The truth is although you find love, forgiveness and understanding from God, for example FAVOR is not granted unless certain behaviours are in place. If you want God’s favor there is some things that must be done. There is a certain attitude that releases God’s favor on your life. It is not just given BY GRACE. Well actually it is, because your relationship starts with Grace doesn’t it? Without it there is no favor, but then there are certain things God wants to see in your life before He will give favour.
1Pet 2:18 Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. 1Pet 2:19 For this finds God’s favor, 43 if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. 1Pet 2:20 For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.
I was taught that God won’t do for one what He will not do for the other. That is a lie. God regularly does things for one that He will not do for the other. The truth is that He will do it for anyone, if they find favor before God. With favor God can save you. Many times, I don’t deserve favor but by grace He will give it. If you want to live in God’s favor……… I Pet 2 has the answer. Do the right thing and you will live in it.