"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
- Titus 3:3-8
Dear Friends,
My father used to caution me not to develop a "holier than thou attitude." My grandmother would say to me: "Steph we all got faults." These words of wisdom have stayed with me throughout my life. I slip sometimes into thinking thoughts like: "I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY ARE ACTING LIKE THAT!" "I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT!."
I imagine that there are those who observed me at various times in life and said the same thing. "For we ourselves were sometimes foolish and disobedient..." Still can be. Still are. As we grow in Christ however, there should be less foolishness and certainly less disobedience. When we fall short the road to repentance should be swift. The adage if you know better you'll do better is real.
The point is we should be mindful of where God has brought us from, mindful that we make this journey by the grace of God.
" Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
- Zechariah 4:6 cf
We are kept by the kindness and grace of God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
And because we have received this rejuvenating power we are to continue to walk in the way, live the life of Christ and maintain the work of the Lord.
Wherever you are today, don't give up. Don't give out. Stay the course. Stand. Hold on. Maintain the work of the Lord.
Stop. Look. Think about where He has brought you from.
in Christ,
Sis. Stephanie
Comments
Post a Comment