Building a Framework of Hope: Part 5

So far we’ve done a great deal of self-reflection. 
We’ve looked at where we are, what we value and build our lives around, and identified what keeps us from maturing in Christ.
At this point you might feel discouraged. 
After all, we’ve stripped layers from our hearts and exposed the ugliness within.I encourage you to cling to 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness. ”
Satan comes to STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY (John 10:10). 
He does NOT want you building upon the foundation of your Salvation. 
At this point, if you feel like giving up, if you’re filled with shame, if you think maturing is too hard, or you’re content with where you are—I want you to remember you are LOVED and you are saved by GRACE.
Go back to the foundation…The Gospel of The Good News!
SAVED BY GRACE.
You did not earn your Salvation. 
You were a dirty, rotten, sinner when God originally called you to Him.
He loved you then. 
He loves you now.
He wanted a relationship then.
He wants a relationship now.
NOTHING can make Him love you less.
Fact:  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom 3:23 NIV
If you’re struggling with the concept of God’s unlimited and unmerited grace, I recommend:
“The Discipline of Grace:  God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness” By Jerry Brides
Or you can remind yourself of what it takes, and means, to be saved by clicking on my Salvation post here.
Let’s pause in our journey and take time to remember the concept of being Saved by Grace.
I encourage you to reflect upon this, on the foundation you’re going to build upon.  
Nothing you did, or didn’t do, merited your Salvation. 
However, what you build upon that foundation is up to you.
It’s your choice. Your responsibility. And your privilege.
Oxford Dictionary defines Privilege as: “A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.”
Those who are not “Saved” do not have the right, or advantage, to build on this foundation.
You do (if you’re a child of God).
This right, or advantage, grants us the immunity of going to hell.
And it came at a high cost to God—His son, Jesus.
This foundation is precious. It’s solid. It can be trusted. 
What do you want to do with it? 
Are you ready to build on it…or are you going to let it sit as it is?