Staying in grace is hard work in the same way resisting the pull of self-congratulation is hard work. 

Our human nature loves to count: “I haven’t eaten chocolate for 12 days.” “I put 10 percent of my income in the offering plate at church.” “I’ve done five ‘random acts of kindness’ in three days.” We naturally crave applause from others, and most fatally, from ourselves. 

Yet Jesus urges, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matt 6:3). 

Grace bids us put away our abacus, our calculators, and all algorithms of righteousness that start or end with us. The “work” of faith is learning to believe in Christ alone, and giving Him the glory for the healing of our lives. 

The grace that saves us is the same great love that changes us. We look to Him, and not within. 

So stay in grace.