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a flawless life

Why is it that when we get something for free, we often don’t appreciate it and then throw it away? Almost like we do with the grace of God. People will easily say, Oh, I’ll just confess my sin and say I’m sorry and my sin will be forgiven.

That is not right. That is wasted and God does not allow his grace to be wasted. The forgiveness of sins has been purchased with dear blood and God will not allow anyone to waste it.

We can’t just live a life doing what we want. We must do our best to live within God’s will for our lives. We know what is right and what is wrong. That little voice inside says it loud and clear. Yes, all of us who believe have the Holy Spirit in here. He talks, maybe not always so loudly, but he talks. And we often pretend we can’t hear him speak his guidance.

We have all received the same command: 14Keep this mandate to the letter and do not be discouraged. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. “This commandment” refers to the previous verse that said we are to run hard and fast in faith. We must make sure to do good and eliminate evil.

We must plan consciously to live a better life. When a car’s wheel alignment is off, you can keep it in a straight line by turning the other way, but as soon as you let go of the steering wheel, the car pulls in the opposite direction. The only way to keep it in a straight line is to take it to an alignment center so they can pull it through the pit and correct the alignment with those big machines.

We are always pulling in the wrong direction too. We pull toward things that God doesn’t want us to do. And it doesn’t help us to try to overcome the problem from time to time by making a steering adjustment. As soon as we let go, when we’re tired, when things don’t go our way, when we let go of the wheel, woops, we hit the curb.

When there is a problem in my life, it will not work out by itself. Usually I have to take a stand and say this is it, no more. So I have to make plans to change my behavior and I have to put those plans into action. For the most part, these plans don’t come together just like that. I have to try again and again before things start to take shape.

We must not waste God’s free grace. We cannot continue as we are. We must put plans in place to straighten out the contortions in our lives. We must make sure that our lives remain impeccable. May God give us strength. May He renew our minds and help us make plans to deal with the bad things and do the right things.

May we use the experience we gain here to help others who can’t do it for themselves. May we help them not to waste God’s grace so that they, too, can begin to strive to live a flawless life.

Holy Scripture

1 Timothy 6:13-16

Reflection

Do you sometimes waste God’s grace?

Are there some places?

Now what?

Prayer

Lord, in all our lives there are places that are not entirely within your Will. We know we have to do something about it. Holy Spirit, please help us to be obedient to your Voice that wants to guide us so that we are without spot on the day you return. Amen.

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