Romans 4:1-4

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. -Romans 4:1-4

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If we see our faith as grace-based, then anything we have we see as a blessing from God.  But, if we see our faith as works-based—that we did something to earn it—then anything we have we see as a product of our hard work.

How do you know if you’re seeing your life through the lens of grace or through the lens of work?  That’s easy.  Are you blaming God for things?

Oftentimes, when we blame God, it’s because we believe we’ve done things to deserve better.  The thinking goes like this, “I’ve served you in Harvesters and at church.  I’ve been a good person.  God, you should do more to bless me.  Why don’t I have this or that?”

The person who believes in a works-based Christianity feels that God owes him or her.  He or she did the work, God now needs to come through and honor His end of the bargain.  And when God doesn’t, the person gets mad at God.

But in a grace-based Christianity, the person understands that God did all the work.  God doesn’t owe him or her anything.  Any blessings the person receives is seen as a gift.  There is a sense of gratitude toward God regardless of the person’s external circumstances.

If you’re mad or annoyed at God for something, it’s possible that you’re struggling with a works-based mentality of faith.  You feel you earned your religiosity and God should compensate you accordingly.  That’s not Christianity, that’s self-worship.

Ask God to help you to get rid of your works-based mentality.  Ask Him to help you see the world through His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.