Why is it that when we get something for free, we often don’t appreciate it and then waste it? 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 go to waste. The forgiveness of sins has been bought with very expensive 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 inner voice says it loud and clear. Yes, all of us who believe have the Holy Spirit here within us. Speak, maybe not always so loud, but speak. And we often pretend that we can’t hear him talk about his guide.
We have all received the same command: 14Keep this command to the letter and don’t relax. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. “This commandment” refers to the previous verse that said we must run hard and fast in faith. We must ensure that we do good and eliminate evil.
We must consciously plan to live a better life. When a car’s wheel alignment is out of alignment, you can keep it in a straight line by turning the other way, but as soon as you release the steering wheel, the car will move 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 always go in the wrong direction too. We get close to the things that God doesn’t want us to do. And it does not help us to try to overcome the problem now and then make a steering adjustment. As soon as we let go, when we are 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 solve 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 do not materialize in this way. I have to try again and again before things start to take shape.
We should 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 ensure that our lives remain flawless. May God give us strength. May He renew our minds and help us make plans to face the wrong things and do the right things.
May we use the experience we gain here to help others who cannot 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 life without blemish.
Holy Scripture
1 timothy 6: 13-16
Reflection
Do you sometimes waste God’s grace?
Are there some places?
Now what?
Pray
Lord, in our whole life there are places that are not completely within your Will. We know we have to do something about it. Holy Spirit, help us to be obedient to your Voice that wants to guide us so that we are impeccable the day you return. Amen.