I have a feeling my relationship with my father-in-law is where the phrase they come from two completely different worlds originated. Granted, I have no physical evidence to prove this claim, but it wouldnt surprise me if I came across a Wikipedia note confirming my suspicions. Im a city boy whose idea of roughing it is no air-conditioning or cable television while my father-in-law is Mr. Outdoors who built his dream house with his bare hands (literally). Trying to impress him with my carpentry skills or ability to put up a tent are now legendary family stories always guaranteed to give the listener a good chuckle.

So, you can understand my hesitation when he asked if Id be interested in geocaching during our last visit out to California. Let me guess. You have no clue what he is talking about. Dont be embarrassed, neither did I.

After googling the term, I learned that geocaching is a high tech version of treasure hunting.  You got out into the woods, with GPS in hand, searching for a hidden container. My father-in-law loved the thrill of the hunt and the excitement he felt over finding a film canister filled with a surprise after hours of searching. The prize was priceless in his eyes. From my point of view, it seemed like a lot of work just for a little, inexpensive trinket. There was one gift, but two drastically different reactions. It all had to do with the lens we were using to view the gift.

The lens we use to view a gift has the ability to alter our actions, motivation and thought process. Take Gods grace for instance. To be lavished with grace is an incredible gift. Yet, if we are honest, the lens we use to see grace makes us question what to do with the gift weve encountered. In some ways, we see it as a burden; wonder if there are strings attached or foolishly attempt to pay back the gift.

Our motivation for living out our One Word becomes a way to prove our worth, make up for past mistakes or cause our actions to be fueled by guilt. And during those times of inevitable failure or struggles, our distorted view of grace only condemns us even more. This is why today we want you to spend a few moments reflecting on the perspective you have of grace by reading Ephesians 2:4-7:

4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressionsit is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Notice the language of this verse.  But dont look for answers.  Simply read it again and let it soak.  Let the picture come into focus.  Rich in mercy. This is Gods currency.  Dead in our transgression.  Dead.  God made us alive.  Raised.  Seated.  Intimate.  Connected.  Vibrant.  Full.  Alive.

Why?  Why would God, rich in mercy, make us alive to be with Him?  Verse 7 proclaims one of the most underestimated treasures in the universe.  God gave us His grace so we might see the incomparable riches of His grace.  Stop for a moment and let this truth influence the lens you are using to view Gods grace.

Id go as far as saying that words and thoughts cannot fully capture its worth because it shines light on the heart of God. When we receive His grace, we receive Him and capture a glimpse of the reflection of His character.

If someone gave you a million bucks, would you thank them?  The riches of grace are INCOMPARABLE.  That is why there are no words.  So instead of a prayer, just draw near to God and receive His great love for you.  Receive His life for you.  Receive the incomparable riches of His grace.  And live today by seeing life through the lens of knowing that you have treasure beyond imagination.

• How is the lens you are using to view God’s grace influencing the way you respond and live out your One Word?

• What parts of your life are you hesitant towards allowing God to form your heart and change your perspective? What drives this hesitancy?

Are you looking for a way to keep your word in front of you all year long? Register for a My One Word account! One of the key features of a MOW account is an online Word Journal that allows you to capture your thoughts to reflective questions like you see above. You can go back at any time to read your completed journals to see how God has been moving in your life through your word in 2010.  If you already have an account, the questions from this blog have been posted to your Word Journal — log in to your account to start your Word Journal today!