Mind the gap

I’ve heard an old man say this is the commandment that is impossible to keep (at least, I heard him say it as I listened to the audio version of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson- highly recommend).

I don’t know- is that universally true? I’ll have to do some more self- examination on this one because I feel like I struggle with other commands more than this one.

Self-examination- this is actually the point of my prayer today, as we wind down the ancient wisdom of the Ten Commandments.  Children whom I love, take the time to examine your thoughts, your motives, your inner dialogue.  God has drawn for us a rough outline of the ways we can separate ourselves from him, and when we tolerate a little distance then there are only only two options.

Repentance, or a widening of the gap between us and God

And the gap never stays empty; it’s where the damage of our sin accumulates. We know God’s grace removes our guilt completely, but sometimes there are consequences that remain.  Habits that we have to overcome, relationships that have to be set right, actions that others simply have to forgive because we can’t undo them.

Listen to the voice of experience, friends.  The sooner you recognize your sin and repent, the less you damage yourself and the ones you love.  The more you allow God’s Spirit to get ahold of you and exponentially multiply your gifts so that you become the mighty warriors you are each capable of becoming- by God’s power.

Father, show us our sin. If it is wanting what another has, Father, grow in us the gift of contentment. I pray that all of us would turn our hearts to you in love and trust, repenting of the ways we allow distance to grow between us. I pray we would nurture the power of your Spirit in our souls so that we look more like you every day.  Thank you for the grace of forgiveness so freely given through your sacrificial love.  #prayersformychildren