This is the sixth of a series of blogs from Upside Down Joy.
“Some people’s sins are obvious, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later.” (1 Timothy 5:24 HCSB)
Are you like me? Be honest.
- Do you spend too much time thinking about yourself? Do I have enough money? How do I look (As you stare in a mirror)? Does he appreciate me? Has she forgotten about me?
- Do you sometimes find it hard to speak the name of Jesus outside of church? I’m not talking Facebook, but face to face.
- Do you insist on your way? After all, it is the right way!
- Have you noticed how many times the Bible talks about thankfulness? Have you noticed how little time you spend being grateful?
- Have you noticed how many times the Bible talks about mercy and grace? Do you feel guilty when you fall short of who you seek to be?
- Do you keep track of what people owe you?
- Do you speak nicely in front of people yet criticize them privately?
- Do you need people? Do you need people to need you?
- Are you willing to give up everything to follow Jesus?
- Do you delight in the Lord? Does a glance His direction cause you to smile?
If you are like me, don’t fret! No need to feel defeated. Find a way to confess. Confession is God’s upside-down way. It actually feels good.
However, don’t stop there. Repent. Change the way you think. Don’t do it alone. You can’t. Meditate on and embrace these life-giving words:
“For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13 HCSB)
“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 HCSB)