Several years ago when one of our granddaughters was learning her multiplication tables, she initially just memorized the facts. She could rattle off the answers without even thinking about it. But then one day while working out a story problem, a proverbial galaxy exploded into view. I saw it in her eyes. She was sitting at our kitchen table, completing her homework. Ohhhh, she exclaimed. She no longer looked at a theoretical one-dimensional 7x4 scribbled on her worksheet, but seven groups of four. She suddenly saw friends sitting in rows in her classroom and spoonfuls of cookie dough lined up on the baking sheet. Seven groups of four.
Math made sense in real life, imagine that. And it opened up to her a whole new world of possibilities. Not just applicable to that particular story problem, but learning what multiplication really means. It is not just a faster way to add, a tool that enlarges, but it connects us to something much bigger. Math is not just based on homework equations, but the way the universe works. Not a list of numbers, but a solid thread. And she hasn't even gotten to God's AP calculus or applied physics yet.
Like kids reciting the multiplication tables, we often approach big spiritual concepts --like grace, love and prayer --with the same limited understanding as a kid in grade school, nice in theory, and we can rattle off scripted answers by rote we heard or read somewhere. We possess a vague and rather limited view.
And then, because we don't really comprehend, we act like scrooges, as if what is precious --like kindness, grace, and love-- will run out. Or even that praying is restricted to limited dosages. Someone said to me a couple weeks ago, "God's tired of hearing from me." Never true.
Too many of us are stuck in first grade addition. But in practicing these things, seeing them differently, and being generous with them, God multiplies.
We learn to see grace, love and prayer not as theological constructs, but how they work out in actual life with tangible situations and real people. Obeying, following, responding to God's calling, even in this particular day, form something in us -- in ways we are not even aware. We have only to be faithful even in simple tasks that are never insignificant. One act of grace, one nudge to pray, or to be kind in this moment builds upon the next, multiplied beyond our comprehension into eternity.
We don't run out. We find God gives us even more. Learn to lavish the grace of God on others ...and His blessing will come through you all the time. (Oswald Chambers)
Our response to God's nudging equips and trains us for the next equation and every good endeavor.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,
you may abound in every good work....
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed for sowing
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way
to be generous in every way.....
2 Corinthians 9. 8-11
The key words here are supply and multiply.
His mercies never come to an end. Lamentations 3.22 Flowing into us, flowing through us, no drought here, no expiration date, in short supply or limited availability.
This is no ordinary day --really none of them are-- but an opportunity to practice and allow grace to multiply in our lives. We see God differently. And as a result, we see others differently. We are not given a brand new pair of eyeglasses, but a new heart and deeper vision for how we can respond.
For from His fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace.
John 1. 16
How much more would we be loving, gracious, prayerful,
if we knew we would never run out,
and if indeed it would be multiplied,
not diminished in any way?
God does not just add. God multiplies.
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