Mutually Exclusive

Romans 11 is a nice slice of humble pie. This chapter shows that there constantly lies a choice before me: Either I choose pride or I choose grace. These things are mutually exclusive - there is not 'why not both' option here.

v6 “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
Pride says "nailed it". Grace says "Jesus nailed it", literally to a cross for you and me. We cannot earn it, we could never deserve it. It is simply undeserved, unrepayable favour and forgiveness. It is grace.

v16 “If the root is holy, so are the branches.”
- Pride says "look at the fruit I produced." Grace says "look at the fruit that God produced through me." In and of ourselves as little branches, all we're really good for is making a bonfire or building a kite. But when we are rooted in Jesus, it changes the whole game. Our holiness, our righteousness, our worth, our identity, our hope, our effectiveness - it all comes from being plugged into Jesus. We, as branches, become what our root is. What we're plugged into determines what we output. No plug, no power, no output.

v18 “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
- Pride says "God needs me for his plans." Grace says "Because HE loves me, God chooses to use me, to involve me in what He is doing." He is God and I am not. He doesn't need us at all, but boy, does he love us and call us and give us all we need to embrace the fullness of the incredible adventure He has for us.

v20 “They were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.”
‭‭- Pride says "I stand because I am strong and unshakeable." Grace says "Because Jesus is strong and unshakeable, I will stand in faith." He gives me the legs to stand. He gives me the rock on which to build my life. He gives me the hope that anchors my soul. Through Christ alone I stand. Romans 11 ends off with a powerful reminder: It is all from Him and through Him and to Him alone.

Am I saying that grace cannot exist where there is pride? No, (thank the Lord!) grace is so much bigger than that. But I don't think we can embrace the fullness of the amazing grace of Jesus while holding onto our pride. If we want to take hold of all grace has to offer, we have to let go of our pride, our ego, our self-righteousness. And what a trade that is! Our silly little pride that leads only to death and failure for the incredible, life-giving, freeing grace of our God.