Whatever did not go against God's Word in the law of Scripture and in the New Testament, or against the consciences of the faithful, was fixed in the system of judgment by Patrick and the churches and the princes of Ireland severally.
Anonymous, Pseudo-Historical Introduction to Senchas Mar (Irish, 9th century)

“In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and faithful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”
Acts 14:16-17

The excerpt above is the conclusion of a little tale devised to help explain the origins of the first written laws (Senchas Mar) of Ireland. Pre-Christian Ireland had no written laws because it had no written language, no cities, nor much of anything else we might think of as relative to civilization. The coming of the Gospel to Ireland, under the impetus of Patrick (fl. mid-fifth century), began a change in culture and society that lasted for nearly four centuries.

One of the early changes that began to be realized was the codification of law, the better to ensure the practice of justice throughout the land. These early laws were compiled under the watchful eye of local Irish kings and poets with the advice and counsel of Christian ministers, whose influence, it seems, had the last word in what actually became law.

The thrust of the story concluded in the Pseudo-historical Introduction to Senchas Mar is to explain that some of the laws of Ireland, which pre-existed the coming of the Gospel, were included in the written code because they were considered to be not inconsistent with the Word of God or the tradition of the Church, as understood by local Irish priests.

From this we can see that the Irish Christians demonstrated an appreciation for what we refer to today as common grace. Common grace is the evidence of God's working among unbelievers in order to do good to them and their neighbors, quite apart from their recognizing His blessings as such. Paul’s message to the people at Lystra is an excellent example of God’s common grace. How were these pagan people able to develop agriculture and benefit themselves for so many years when they had no knowledge of the true God? God Himself helped them, Paul insisted, thus leaving a witness to His grace in their midst.

Christian writers and critics can sometimes seem to be a little harsh on contemporary culture and ideas, and yours truly is no exception. Much of that criticism is necessary, as I’m sure you can understand. At the same time, I want to remind us that God is at work even among unbelievers, distributing good gifts, making His beauty, goodness, and truth known, and channeling all kinds of blessings to believers and unbelievers alike. They may not acknowledge His benefits and may go right on in their sinful ways, showing no gratitude for the gifts of divine grace (Ps. 52:1). But God continues to bestow His gifts, because, well, that’s just the way He is.

Christians should pay more attention to the workings of God’s common grace, and be quick to give Him thanks and praise whenever we experience these. Expressions of His grace may come in the form of an unsaved co-worker’s generously offering to help you on a project. Or through the message of a film, song, or article on a website that uncovers a vein of truth.

Goodness, even a politician may utter something of truth from time to time!

God is everywhere at work, upholding the world and everything in it by His Word of power, dispensing His steadfast love and faithfulness, leaving His mark and imprint in every place, bringing His glory to light. Sometimes that happens even through the agency of those who do not know the Lord.

Whenever we encounter evidence of God’s common grace, thanks and praise are in order. Moreover, we may, like Paul, find ourselves in the midst of an opportunity to show people that God loves them in everyday, ordinary ways, and to explain that He has more love in store for them than they’ve ever imagined possible.

Next steps

Today, try to be alert to what you think might be evidences of God’s common grace at work in the world. Keep a list of your observations. Later, share your observations with your family or some Christian friends. Use your observations to guide a season of prayer or to develop a strategy for reaching out to someone in a new way.

For more insight to this topic, order the book, He Speaks to Me Everywhere, by Philip Graham Ryken, from our online store. Or read the article, “Blind Hogs, Ripe Acorns,” by T. M. Moore.

 PRINT

 RSS

EMAIL