The Tight-line of Grace

I've never walked on a tight rope, but I have marveled at the pictures and images of those who have. There are several things I know about it, although I have never done it. A person has to have much fortitude to get up there and walk on such minimal footing. The next thing is there has to be a huge degree of balance for a person to make it across a tightrope. Finally, the rope has to be held taught between two fixed positions that will not give when pulled upon. These points of tension allow the walker to have a better chance at a successful trek.

You know many of the doctrines of the Bible are the same. Folks get off balance and have little or no footing when they attach themselves to one polarized position. There is no place where this is more pronounced and obvious than when it comes to the area of grace.

On one hand, the church has to hold a firm line against sin. This means when we deal with sin we do so in love, but with the firmest resolve possible. We handle sin like a physician handles a systemic infection in a body. Or, as a demolition expert handles 100 pounds of dynamite. Sin is the culprit which will keep men from eternal life with God. Sin is the great divide, separating man from his Creator. The church must speak against sin...calling it by name. We need ministers with conviction who lovingly steer their congregations away from the wolves.

On the other hand, balance of grace and mercy is needed...yea necessary if we are to be effective. This sin issue, if you have forgotten, affects everyone. "If anyone says they haven't sinned, the truth is not in them." We have all sinned. Therefore, the first person you will need to deal with is the one you see in the mirror each day. Be sure you stop the sin without killing the person. This is that all too oft overlooked balance.

Notice in Ephesians 4. Paul instructs the hearer to be humble and gentle, longsuffering, forbearing one another, etc. (v.2) Then he spends a good deal of time not mincing words about those who walk in unrighteousness, lasciviousness, and immoral behavior. The line is pulled tight! In v.25-30 he says, in essence, whatever you are doing in sin...stop doing it! But before the chapter has ended he reverts back to reminding the reader of mercy and forgiveness. (v.32)

I have found that 'religious' folks have a real appetite for the "preaching against" stuff. "Hold the line" I have heard them say. Well, unless you have some mercy to hold the line on the other end, you have no clue about walking the line. The Tightline of Grace requires a pull from each side.

All that to say, we never endorse sin! But when a sinner turns for home, we immediately embrace them, love them and nurse them back to health. It is not Gods will to shoot wounded Christians. Galatians 6:1 must ring in our hearts.

I hope you are equipped to walk the line. You will need strong positions on either side and a good deal of balance. I wish you well.

Tim