People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, NLT)
During my studies, I have found that starting the study with a brief prayer helps me be centered and God-focused. Each time I do this, and keep questions and requests for guidance in the forefront of my thoughts, I find it amazing that time and again He offers me another piece of advice or confirmation that I did not see the last time I read a verse.
Yesterday, this verse really stood out to me. It was stark in contrast to some of the other text and seemed to hit me like a smack on the head - more so than others.
I consider myself a blessed man. I have a wonderful wife and daughter, am gainfully employed, and I am even allowed to enjoy the fruits of my work. But as I have really begun to awaken to a much deeper need for intimacy with Jesus Christ, I have realized much of my life was built on sand (Matthew 7:24-27). I know I am working through really discovering and repositioning my life for His glory.
I'm sure there are quite a few applications to this verse, but it is interesting that this single verse speaks to both of the on-goings struggles I battle: my flesh and my pride.
Perhaps both are because I am a man, but I suspect it is because I am a human - victim of the fall of Adam. My choice could be to wallow in it with self-pity and guilt, or realize that Jesus gave his life for me so that I could be set free.
But it takes a choice. In fact, I should not say "a choice" (singular). Instead, it takes a choice every day, and sometimes many times throughout a day. If I can internalize this, then realizing I am a sinner now can begin to offer strength instead of guilt; sharing that I fall (often) quits being an excuse to do it again, but now serves as a reminder of who I am because of where I came from and does not define where I must go.
The choice of grace and forgiveness was made long before Adam took his first breath. It was given freely. I can't help in thinking that most of us are not gracious receivers of gifts or compliments. We often say things like, "You shouldn't have," or "No, not me."
Every once in awhile, what if we just simply said, "Thank You"?
Seeking the Son is a website dedicated to the search for a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Ken is also the founder of ChangeForge, a website focusing on the shifting paradigms of business and technology. To discover all of the places you can connect with Ken, please connect with him here.
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