Thoughts for another day

Jan. 18, 2010

Today's verse: Titus 2:11, 12. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many times in my mind there’s this deep anguish that I present myself so sinful to God. I wonder why; and then who will be able to correct the situation? Is it impossible for me to live the life Jesus wants me to live? Every time I think of being a good person, something happens which irritates me and instantly my old sinful nature is back with a bang! I say, ‘Lord, how much pain will I give you, how much heart ache will you bear on my account.’ The thought sometimes grips me so that my being is disturbed. See, our nature is fine by worldly standards as no one can read our minds to know what’s going on within. And people also refer to us as good human beings although within us there’s this deep distaste for them.

If you were to think the way I do, you too would shed the façade, if you have one and become the real you and then the world would not like you. Now isn’t it better to be really nice? I know some people who are like that and I tell myself, ‘If I could only be like her or him.’ It is for this desire that our verse today comes like a remedy. God’s Grace has come in the coming of Jesus Christ and in His death the issue has been settled that His Grace is available to all who believe in Him. Now see, His Grace is not so that we can only talk about it as being something outside of our reach but as a potent tool for us to exercise in our lives and living victoriously.

God’s Word says that He is faithful who called you and He will accomplish the task He has given you. Grace is the guarantee of the possibility of this Word, for Grace strengthens us and helps in awakening the power within us. God has equipped us with every strength in Christ and it is by imbibing Grace we realise the potential of God living in us whereby we can deny all ungodliness and live the way He wants us to live; thus providing relief for the anguish within us of living right before Him.