Dateline: Minneapolis
Lily was a great bus driver. In 1988 she was set to receive the award for "safest driver of the year" (an award she had already won multiple times in previous years). As part of the celebration for Lily's achievement, her colleges loaded into a bus and had her drive them to the award ceremony. On the way to the ceremony Lily took a turn too quickly and flipped the bus. She and 16 others were injured in the accident.
Did Lily get her award anyway? No.
The committee responsible for presenting the award knew that to do so was contrary to the purpose of the award. Plus, Lily's newly tarnished driving record prevented her from even qualifying for it. Fact is, award committees rarely operate on grace.
How fortunate we are, that the ultimate award (our salvation through Jesus Christ) is contingent on grace- not performance.
Ephesians 3:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
