There is a fine line between legalism and obedience. In fact, they look very similar, which is why some people confuse them. The difference is the heart. WHY are you following the plethora of commandments in the Bible? To BE holy? or to APPEAR holy? Jesus said, If you LOVE ME, you will follow my commandments. So, a person who APPEARS to be legalistic, may actually just be loving Jesus. I am grateful for all that God has done in my life. Anyone who knows me and my past can see how a person may have thought I was hopeless and a lost cause. But God did not think so. In fact, it has become increasingly clear over the past few years that God indeed does have an incredible plan for me and continues to transform me from what I once was into an upstanding man God wishes to use in a mighty way (as He regularly does with His people). I am grateful that God did not give up on me. I am grateful for a second chance at life. I am grateful that He has preserved me this far. I am grateful for my new heart. I am grateful to know the truths that this world blindly walks past. I am grateful for His patience with me as I continue to grow and make mistakes. I am grateful for His love. I am grateful for His sacrifice. I am grateful for His mercy on me. His grace. THIS is the motivation that I carry as the reason I love Jesus. THIS is the motivation I have to TRY to follow His word the best that I can, as jacked up as it appears at times. My spirit is willing. To be like Jesus is my focus. I do a terrible job at it most of the time, but that does not dissuade me from continuing to run this race. I will continue to pray that God shapes me and helps me to be His humble clay. I will continue to accept correction, guidance, and teaching from the men God has placed over me. I have already seen great improvements in my character, behavior, life, and blessings as I submit myself to Gods TOTAL rule over me, all that I have, and all that I am. THESE are the reasons that I am SO excited about life. SO excited to see what God will do next. I give God ALL the glory and credit for doing in me what He has done. It is an absolute display of His mercy, grace, love, and incredible power to take something of little worth to anyone and make it valuable to many. My only wish is that I wasnt so poor at emulating my Lord and Savior. I long for the day this struggle ends and I will be changed forever. Until then, I pray that God strengthens me to struggle with myself and the ways of this world daily. To persevere each time I slip, stumble, and fall. I pray that Gods grace would be merely a safety net, as I struggle to walk out this faith I claim to have. I need all the prayer I can get. :) Luckily, Gods grace is sufficient. Thank you, Jesus.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 18:45:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015