Every now and then, more now than then, I fall into the trap that lets me know my faith walk needs work. I do realize that I am in a constant state of effort and often come up short in what I believe should be a sincere attempt to “do it right.” At these times, I am more than a little frustrated because I can find numerous opportunities to be more Christian, as I am forced to acknowledge even more instances of un-Christian behavior. Everyday I can see things that I should have done with more compassion, people whom I should have engaged from a more Jesus like perspective and certainly thoughts that really have no business running through the mind of a so called practicing child of God. If I think about this long enough, it can really become depressing. Flawed I am and flawed I will always be.
One of the beautiful things about prayer, in this instance, is its unique ability to open one’s eyes to the wonderful nature of God’s eternal love for His children. Before Being Saved (B. S.), it really didn’t matter how I responded to my own insensitivity, cruelty or petty jealousies. My ego was still intact. I would survive, because if nothing else, I am a survivor. After being saved (A. S.), however, it really began to matter how I navigated this thing we call life. From that perspective, things like honesty, integrity, compassion, simple courtesy, truth and even the ‘f’ word, forgiveness, all, came into play. Once you’ve been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, you cannot react to this world as you once did. Scripture is clear on this. When the day of the Lord comes, we have an obligation to meet it with what I trust will be enlightened behavior; behavior built upon the foundation of love and kindness. What I’m speaking about is not as far fetched as it sounds. Through prayer, it becomes obvious where individual improvement can be achieved. I can’t write the entire scripture but read Ephesians 4:17-5:21 and you’ll begin to see a hint of how you can and should live. The truth is God expects your best effort. He admires and loves your diligence in seeking His face. It’s sort of like following footprints in the snow and a huge snow storm develops. The footprints remain because they were placed there by Christ. Regardless of how fierce the storm gets, our job is to stay the course. If you know this, then you can’t feel good about reckless behavior or an unforgiving spirit. The point is you know better. The truth is God knows that you know better. Prayer keeps and puts everything else then into divine focus. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24. I can do this. You can too. I have to at least try. The beauty in all this is even if I fail today, I can try again tomorrow and so can you. . You see it’s still all about the grace of the Lord. His blessings be upon you. Find peace in this fact of faith.
May God bless and keep you always,James, jaws@dallasweekly.com