I think I am...but I am not

 Faithful that is. It is my guess that most of us think we do this or are good at that but in reality are not. Like counting calories, everybody does a great job counting calories until we get on the scale. There is the proof and yes we did not count well. I’m sure it was a glitch in the computer and that double fudge, pumpkin latte with crème was oh so good but may have had more calories than we thought.

It happens all the time. That friend who you have been meaning to call but just didn’t do it, one week becomes two and three and so on until it has been months and yet you still have made no call. It is strange in the age of connection we live in with instant 24 hour access to communication that a single call could not be completed. “I was going to do it,” came from your mouth as a matter of explanation or is it excuse. The fact is you did not get it done and therefore you are unfaithful. So am I, two peas in a pod.

You know I just made a call I had on the “to do” and am blessed by the conversation and for the call. When we are faithful he pours out the blessings in a deluge overwhelming us with grace like rain, when we are faithful. But what about when I am not?

I read today from Paul while in prison writing to his son in the ministry Timothy:         

I rely on this saying: If we died with him we shall also live with him: if we suffer with him we shall also reign with him. If we deny him he will also deny us: yet if we are faithless he always remains faithful. He cannot deny his own nature. 2 Timothy 2:13 J.B. Phillips

How about that, “if we are faithless he always remains faithful.” His own nature is to be faithful. God’s own nature is love. Those continue regardless of our action or non-action. 

Sometimes I think of faith and God’s response like Karma. What I give is what I get in the same proportions. But the reality of grace in the Kingdom of God is that is NOT true. Grace affords for me what I do not deserve and cannot attain for myself, God’s forgiveness. Not his love he has already given that but rather his forgiveness. Better yet, that forgiveness remains not based on my faithfulness but rather the character of God.

I think I am a good follower of Jesus. I think I am a good prayer warrior.  Think I am a fabulous preacher, musician, father etc. In reality I am not at all what I think I am. In fact I am no longer a sinner but rather a Saint who sins. I cannot follow well, preach, pray, play, father or any of those things. I am completely dependent on Jesus. I Think I am thankful for that!

I think I am thankful but I am not. I need to count on grace for that too. That’s good, grace that is!

Happy Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for that we did nothing for.

In HIS Service and Yours,

The Rev