Merry-go-round Birdie

A bird flew into our house. Try as we might, with broomsticks and arms waving, we could not get him to fly to freedom. He sat high on our ceiling fan, intimidated by our coaxing. Even turning on our fan did not dissuade him. He just rode around like he was on a merry-go-round. We opened both of our doors, turned out the lights and hoped he'd head out towards the patio lights and fresh air of freedom. He didn't.

We Christians are free from the law by God's grace, but sometimes we stay in our darkness, ignoring the way out, sure that our good works are necessary for God's favor and our eternal safety. We may sit high in our faux righteousness, looking down and judging those around us, or hide in the darkness of fear and guilt feeling unworthy. Jesus' grace tells a different story. (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Jesus gently coaxes us to come to the light and accept His gift of grace and freedom. He loves us and doesn't want us imprisoned by the impossible standard good works. It is His sacrifice that makes us truly righteous. We do not need to clean up before we accept His gift, or put on pretenses to earn His favor. (Romans 5:8) He loves us just as we are.

Yes, our bird finally made it to freedom. A neighbor came to our aide and ushered him out with a plastic rake. It took a while, but we were thrilled when he finally found his way out of the darkness into the freedom of the light and air. How much more thrilled Jesus is when we finally fully accept His offer of grace and freedom. Spread your wings and fly to the light of His love and grace. You are free.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)