Romans 4: 1-5… “But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” vs. 5
Most people have a pretty good sense of how they have lived their lives. Oh, we forget some things, but in general we know exactly what we have done and what we have not done, and we’re particularly aware of our shortcomings. That’s why many folks find it really hard to believe that they are worthy in the sight of God. Even though they’ve heard about grace, and maybe even like to sing “Amazing Grace,” when it comes right down to it they think of themselves as being undeserving.
And that’s okay! In fact, Paul would say that this is exactly where we need to be in relationship to the Divine. It’s the arrogant and presumptuous who miss out when it comes to the righteousness that comes from God. If in our ungodliness, with no merit of our own to lean on, we put our trust in God, we receive restoration and healing through the Holy Spirit. Our pasts do not define our futures!
Of course this can’t happen just once in our lifetimes. Because time passes so quickly and new circumstances rapidly redefine us, our faith decisions will be a continuing part of our spiritual growth. Day by day, confessing our sin, we will turn again to the promises of God and be born again to new life.
Thought for the Day: What shortcomings do I regularly bring before God?
0 Comments