Spirit

So, I found this quote by a 19th century Irish theologen by the name of CH Mackintosh. Of course, I don't remember the quote, but it was along the lines of this: God knows that as human, we are constantly sinning- thinking bad thoughts, feeling bad feelings, plotting evil, lying, cheating, stealing, etc. However, He still called us to repent and accept Christ as our salvation.

The key idea I get from this is- Repent. Change the way you think and act. In spite of your nature. We must turn from that former lifestyle- whether "major" sinning, or "minor" (all being the same to God.)

Now, lots of people want to argue and say it is impossible. We will never stop sinning. Part of me wants to agree, but another part wants to say, pish posh! What would be the logic in commanding us to repent if we cannot?

It is a complex, but wonderfully simple thing, folks. We can repent and totally submit to Christ and His perfect will for our lives. We can.

First, you are aware of your inequities. You've lied, cheated, thought nasty thoughts. You have, everyone has. Period. Acknowledge that to God. Tell Him.

Then, acknowledge the fact that God has placed all of that sin on Christ in our stead. Jesus has shouldered your crap. He was perfect in every way, but He took on your dirtiness. That perfect sacrifice was set up for us by God, who loves us that much.

Now, the repent part. How do you change the way you think and act? You don't. That's right. YOU don't. Upon accepting Christ, you are given an advocate, a helper. The Holy Spirit. God's interaction with YOU in this fleshly life. He is RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. There is a lovely line in a song that goes like this: "I'm learning to stand the more that I fall down." The falling down is giving up, laying down your life at the feet of Jesus and allowing Him to move you and influence you, rather than your own thoughts or the temptation of this world.

Get that? There is no way you are going to live a life of repentance on your own. That is why Jesus says, "I'm sending a helper to you." The Holy Spirit gets forgotten, or is misunderstood so often! And He is the strength by which we can live the life God intends for us! The Spirit is God within us! Moving us, holding us upright! Oh, how I love the Spirit. Oh, how I love God. Oh, how I love Jesus.

So, what is all this about? It's about "keepin' it real, ya'll." We have been called to repent, so let's do it. Every morning, wake up, let your first words be praise to the Father. Let your second words be confession of your sins. And let your third words be an invitation to the Spirit to guide your day.

Doing this numerous times a day seems pretty much impossible. But it isn't. I'm not saying that because I do it or anything- heck, I've got some serious dicsiplining to do with myself. I'm saying it because God says we can do it. He tells us to repent. We must be able to do that- change the way we think and act. And not by our power, but by the power of The Holy Spirit. God, dynamic and moving within us. We can live the life God intends for us. We can. It's gonna take work, but hey, we have each other. Let this goal be your first and last. Let living for God be the breath in your lungs, the smile on your face.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight!!! Amen.