Often times I sin by deciding, in arrogance, that I can make it through the day without reading the Word of God - my bread and water, life, and perfect communion with Christ. I choose my way rather than His way. Instead of being constantly reminded and led by God's Words, I try to make it on my own. I die in my sinful arrogance.
Struggling all day to be kind, obedient, respectful, patient, and diligent wears on me. Putting on acts to demonstrate the changes and new life Christ has given to me proves unsuccessful. If I just stand back and let Him work IN me, I don't have to do a thing. In Him, I will be a light that shines so bright that none can deny His power to bring new life and use the weak in mighty ways. It's that daily submission that He's teaching me. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:18), "ALL you that thirst, come to the waters" (Isaiah 55:1). He pours out in grace so that we can live as light, just as He calls us to do. But we don't have to labor in vain, trying on our own to be like Jesus. HE is the water that fills, sustains and transforms us into the image of Christ.
In deciding on my plans, my will, my way - that's where I find death in my sin. But He pours out LIFE. Life is given through grace and as He graciously convicts me of sin, reminding me of my need for Him, I fall, in submission and surrender. He reminds me that though I die in my sin (in many ways throughout the day), I have also died TO sin because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and gift of salvation.
This is just one example of how relying on our own plans and ignoring Jesus' perfect guidance always results in frustration and discouragement.
This can happen in so many different areas in my life. I can praise and worship God in the morning and be joyful and filled, but if I am not living in accordance and obedience to His words all the day long, I will still sin. My most common mistake is trying to focus on God without filling my soul with His teaching, promises, and reminders found in His Word. When I don't start the day with Him, I can't continue the day with Him. I fall back into patterns of sin such as being impatient, prideful, angry, disobedient and lazy. I bite my lip as a ramble of unkind, angry words threatens to burst out in a reaction to something my sister did, and I fight to hold back sarcastic, irritated remarks to my parents.
Jesus reminds me,m though, that He wants every thought, every action and every word to reflect His light and if these sinful thoughts and words consume my mind, I must not have drunk from His waters in the beginning of my day. I cannot worship in song and praise in the morning or on Sundays and then not offer my life as worship. Worship is something I AM, not something I do.
I once heard someone say that Christianity is the only society/group/religion whose only qualification to become a member is the LACK of qualification.
The only way we are saved is by the realization that we CANNOT do anything apart from Jesus and the grace He gives in salvation. Sometimes, even knowing this, I still try to put on acts of goodness instead of putting on the righteousness of Christ. Thankfully, Jesus is showing me that only through His mercy, intercession, and grace can I make it through the day and live in a God glorifying manner.
Grace has been shown to me in so many different ways. Grace comes in the words of encouragement from a friend. Grace comes through His word where He speaks to me every time I open and meditate on His precious promises. Grace comes when I recognize how selfish and prideful I act towards my family, and God leads me to put on the full armor of God so that I can live as light. Grace comes when I'm having a frustrating day as I struggle to be kind and love my neighbor, and then God places Tanner (a 6 year old boy with down syndrome) in the nursery I work at to play with my hair, laugh gleefully as I make silly faces, and play with toys together. He loves on me reminds me the sweet and gentle love Jesus has given to me.
It's these little reminders of God's presence and faithfulness in my life that help me to live for Him and offer every moment of my life to Him.
"The peace of God which surpasses all understanding", "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life." These are the truths that I cling to throughout my day. They are reminders of the grace and mercy I find in Jesus Christ, my redeemer and Savior, who has promised to bring to completion the good work He has begun in me and all believers, until the day of Jesus Christ.
I will close this post, telling of the teaching, molding and growing God is doing in me, with these words (from the song You Have Won Me by Bethel).
~ "Grace, You've shown me Grace, You've lifted my shame, drawn me with loving kindness. Washed whiter than snow, You have redeemed and made me whole. Jesus, You have won me, You have broken every chain with love and mercy. You have triumphed over death and You are worthy of glory and praise!" ~
Much love and many blessings,
AnaMichele
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