Walking in Grace: Continuing as We Began
Reflections on Day by Day by Grace – December 30
When we think back to the moment we first received Christ, it was all about grace. We brought nothing to the table but our need. Yet, as we journey in faith, there’s often a subtle temptation to shift gears—to trade reliance on the Spirit for striving in the flesh. Today’s reflection reminds us of the critical truth: the way we begin with Jesus is the way we continue—with grace and by the Spirit.
The Same Way We Began
"As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him."
(Colossians 2:6)
When we first came to Christ, we didn’t earn or manufacture salvation. It was a gift freely given, received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). That same grace-receiving posture is how we are to live every day. Walking with Christ is not about what we can do for Him; it’s about depending on what He continues to do in and through us.
Grace isn’t just the starting point of our faith; it’s the foundation of every step forward. As John 1:16 says, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” We don’t graduate from grace—we grow deeper into it.
The Danger of Striving
"Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
(Galatians 3:3)
Paul’s warning to the Galatians is as relevant today as ever. After beginning their walk in the Spirit, they fell into the trap of trying to grow through self-effort. This is a temptation we all face. It’s easy to slip into performance mode, thinking that spiritual progress depends on how hard we work, how disciplined we are, or how much we accomplish.
But the flesh cannot produce spiritual life—it never could. As Jesus Himself said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). Just as we trusted the Spirit for our salvation, we must rely on Him for our transformation. Any attempt to grow through human effort alone is not just ineffective—it’s a step away from the life of grace.
Living by Grace Through the Spirit
How do we stay in step with the Spirit and live by grace?
Recognize Your Need: Just as you came to Christ aware of your need for salvation, approach each day with the same humility. Acknowledge your dependence on Him for wisdom, strength, and growth.
Abide in Christ: Jesus invites us to remain in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). This isn’t about striving but about resting in His sufficiency and drawing life from Him.
Receive Daily Grace: Grace isn’t a one-time gift; it’s something we continue to receive. Trust God to provide all you need, moment by moment. As Matthew 7:11 assures us, our heavenly Father delights in giving good things to His children.
Reject Self-Reliance: Be vigilant against the temptation to revert to self-effort. Remember that the flesh will never accomplish what only the Spirit can do.
Practical Application
Take a moment to reflect on your journey with Christ:
Are there areas where you’ve started to rely on your own strength instead of God’s grace?
How can you shift back to dependence on the Spirit in those areas?
Write down one specific way you can abide more fully in Christ this week—whether through prayer, meditating on His Word, or surrendering a particular area of self-effort to Him.
A Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You for beginning this journey of faith with grace and for continuing to sustain me through Your Spirit. I confess the times I’ve tried to rely on my own strength instead of resting in Your provision. May I walk in grace each day, trusting You to work in and through me. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who gives life and produces fruit in my heart. May I live each moment in dependence on You, for Your glory and my joy. Amen..”
A Final Thought
The way we begin with Christ is the way we are meant to continue—with grace and by the Spirit. Let’s keep walking with Him, not by our own strength, but by His.