A Necessary Disclaimer

For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. Romans 7:14,15,18 (New American Standard Bible)

Paul was not beating himself up over his failures and weaknesses. He was simply stating truth. What was that truth? That he was not a completed vessel yet. That he did not always do it right, get it right, say it right, or think it right. That he had not arrived at such a spiritual state that his flesh ceased to be a problem. That he was not always in control of his emotions. That what he believed was not always what he lived out of or demonstrated. That his responses, perceptions, and reactions were not always good or accurate. This was his disclaimer for any who would think otherwise. I own it as mine as well.

Like Paul, I fight a daily battle with my flesh. I take things personal, I misread another’s actions or words. I hold on to past hurts and disappointments. I so easily feel unloved, unwanted, and unaccepted at times. I get my eyes off God and focus on myself or others. I have times when I fail to walk in truth. The list (as unpleasant as it is) could go on and on but my point is this: Failures and weaknesses mark my path. It is true of me, it is true of you, it was true of our Bible ancestors, it is true of the authors and speakers we sit under, and it is true of every person ever born except Jesus.

I find encouragement when Paul states the truth about himself and I find freedom when I do because I know where to turn when the truth is blatantly staring me in the face. I turn to the One who loves me and is still working on me. That which I so easily detest in myself He already knows about. It does not hinder His love for me but calls upon His love to minister to me and change me. When I am most prone to back away from Him in shame or disappointment with myself, He extends the invitation to come to Him. While there are times repentance is a must, forgiveness and reconciliation are always the end result.

Father, I want to be all the things I should be and will be eventually. For now, help me to live with a fuller realization of Your love, mercy, and grace. When I see the truth about myself, help me to embrace the truth about You. Amen.

Warrior is a Child/Do I Trust You - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.