The thought from above in this episode is: “Create Space for Grace.” James Bryan Smith continues with his key ideas that are essential to Christian spiritual formation. These last five episodes are foundational for what this podcast is all about, setting our mind on things above.

Smith begins the episode by explaining the importance of creating space for grace. Grace is God’s action in our lives. The word grace derived from its greek origin, means gift.  God’s grace is a gift to us and we receive it every day. There is nothing we have to do to earn God’s grace. Smith goes on to explain that just because we receive grace, we still need to create space for it.

The question then becomes, what is it that God has designed us to do? What passion and need has God placed in your heart? If we are going to answer this call we will need more grace. James recalls a question Dallas Willard asked him to help further explain his point. “Who burns more grace, sinners or saints?” Dallas responded, “Saints burn grace like a 747 burns fuel on takeoff.” This is because grace is God’s action in our lives.

Smith closes the episode by saying, “create space for grace by living in wonder at the grace that surrounds you and sustains you everyday, because everyday is an opportunity to create space for grace.”

Related episodes:
1. Keep it Simple
2. Say No to Say Yes
3. Rejoice Always
4. Give Thanks
5. Conversation with John Mark Comer