“…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2
Right Thing in the First Place!
One of my lifetime struggles that I would love to overcome and improve in is what I call “getting it right in the first place.” I’m great at making things right AFTER the offense, sin, misspoken words, etc., but why can’t I just make the right choice, speak (or not speak) the right words, or completely avoid giving in to temptation in the first place?
For example, losing my cool with the kids in the morning before school in the midst of all the busyness. Later, in the car, “I’m really sorry, kids, that Mommy got upset and was yelling and frustrated. Adults do wrong things too, and I’m sorry I didn’t make better choices. Please forgive me!” Followed by (in my head), “Why can’t I just GET IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE?” This is really something God is showing me I need to submit to Him.
Every situation I can recall that involved a wrong choice on my part is simply a matter of lack of self-control and choosing what is best for ME versus the right choice. But God…
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
He is forgiving even before we make all of the wrong choices, but the WORD is very specific about abusing His grace.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1,2).
Just because I (you) have God’s grace and forgiveness, does that give us the go-ahead to do as we please each day, knowing we need only ask forgiveness? Certainly not!
As I was thinking about writing this devotion, I noticed a line of a song by We the Kingdom that exactly reflects how I feel about this area:
“I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
It’s the only thing that ever really
Makes me wanna change”*
One thing I know is that He loves a teachable heart willing to be changed on the inside.
Father, please continue to do Your good work in me and help me day by day to continue seeking to make not just good choices but right choices, and to exercise self-control. I pray that as I grow deeper in my walk and closer to You that I will make more of a habit of doing all things according to Your will in the first place!
Yes! I want to make the right decisions before the folly!
Thank you for this message. It is something that I have been having a time with as well.
Right there with you Sister…thank you!