The Daily Guide
The condition of man
Remember that some men's sins are obvious, and are equally obviously bringing them to judgment. The sins of other men are not apparent, but are dogging them, nevertheless, under the surface. Similarly some virtues are plain to see, while others, though not at all conspicuous, will eventually become known.
1 Timothy 5:24-25 - J.B. Phillips' translation
Don't you think those two verses above, particularly in the way they've been translated, say a lot about you and me? On the one hand, they reveal our awful liability (sin) and, on the other hand, our marvellous potential (virtues). On the outside we may look perfect or we may look pathetic and awful but those verses from God's Word reveal the true condition. In truth, we have sins that at times get to be dogging us and virtues that we could be exhibiting more plainly. The sins need God's forgiveness and the work of the Blood (1 John 1:7) while the virtues need God's grace and God's Spirit to guide us in using them.
See yourself in the mirror of God's Word. It shows you what you look like as God's child growing up in Christ. You need to face up to your sins - whether they're apparent to others or not - and you need to embrace your virtues and get them out for use. God has created you in the weakness of human nature in the hope that you will choose this path of godliness. He hopes your virtues - both spiritual and natural - will appear before men to the glory of God.
What place are you at in this? Is your life beginning to amount to something for God? Two things could possibly be preventing you reaching your full potential in Christ. Maybe you're not facing up to your sins or maybe you're not taking hold of your virtues. How about doing something about that? Acknowledge your sins and look to God for the help you need to get rid of them. Then acknowledge your virtues and look for God's grace to train you to fully use them. Heb.12:1.
Lay aside sin, take up your virtues
Copyright © 2009 P.F. (Simon) Measures
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