But God’s grace has made me what I am, and his grace to me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other apostles. (But it was not I really; it was God’s grace that was with me.)

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NCV)

God has extended His grace to all humanity. Only a portion of us have accepted that grace. How many of us have wasted that grace?

Have I accepted grace for the sole purpose of avoiding an eternity in hell? Or have I accepted grace for the purpose of seeing as many others as possible also accept that grace?

Paul, of all people, knew the true meaning of grace. Being the worst of all sinners, Paul was as shocked as anyone when Jesus captured his attention. Maybe it was to atone for past sins or maybe it was because he really knew what grace meant, but Paul devoted his entire life to spreading that grace.

How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

John Newton, who penned those ageless words, also knew the meaning of grace. From slave ship captain to Anglican minister, grace was not wasted on him. Am I wasting the grace that has been bestowed upon me? Or do I still see it as the precious commodity that brought me out of sin?