One of the most important messages of the Good News is that all we have to do is our best. We are mortals living in a sphere of opposition and that means we are going to be constantly making mistakes and failing to do all that we want and hope to do. It just isn’t possible. Our intentions will always far surpass our abilities. But the Good News is that if through all the trials and experiences we do the best we can Jesus Christ has promised to do the rest. That is grace. And we need it.
Accepting the grace offered is where we often get in trouble. Instead of looking in the mirror after we’ve made a mistake and saying, “I did the very best I could. I’ve learned from this. Now I’ll move on trusting in the grace of God.” We too often spend weeks or months or even years beating ourselves with whips made out of thoughts of inadequacy and regret. Berating ourselves like that is the Pit of Illusion and it is unnecessary pain.
The very reason Jesus Christ performed an Atonement for us is because He knew we could not do it on our own. We need His grace. So beating ourselves up is a form of denial and a refusal to accept what He is offering us. It is turning our backs on Jesus Christ and refusing His help—His grace.
Accepting His grace is Living in Truth where peace, happiness and love abound.
I'm so thankful for the Atonement. Thanks for this good reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteJanet said "there must be something I need to learn about grace because lately I have heard so many thought provoking talks, quotes etc. on grace. If you didn'
ReplyDeletet hear Brad Wilcox's deviotional on "My grace is Sufficient" two weeks ago, you need to listen to it. I've listened twice (you can google it also) and keep a copy close at hand. Thanks for your insights.