“Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:3-4 ESV. We sometimes justify our own behaviors by believing there are distinct levels of good and evil, and of course, we grade ourselves on the curve. This is foolish. There is good, and there is evil; there is nothing in between. The goodness of God convicts, coaxes and nudges us to repentance. That’s it. Nothing else matters. We must not interpret His kindness as acceptance of our failures. Sin is poison, and it is our enemy. Every new day should begin with a recommitment to expunge all of it from our lives. LORD, You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. Forgive my absurd attempts to diminish the perfection and purity of Your redemption. Wash my heart and soul whiter than snow.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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