A Reading
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Romans 12:2)
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe and the evil one cannot harm him.
(1 John 5:18)
A Thought
One morning last week we played hosts to a young child. Early that morning, I retrieved a suitably sized bicycle from our garage (cleaned and stored for twenty years) and reinflated the tyres that unsurprisingly were flat.
Only ten minutes later, I returned to find the front tyre deflated once more. I removed the wheel and tyre to inspect the inner tube. A large hole was apparent, together with an earlier repair to the tube. I applied a patch to the large hole, but it was situated within a crimped area and the patch refused to remain stuck down. Repair was no longer viable. A new inner tube was required and time was short. Just enough time to visit a bicycle outlet and fit a new replacement inner before our young visitor arrived.
Within our lives, we have a habit of failing to maintain the standards that Jesus expects of us. Selfish behaviours, absent contrition.
We also have a habit of repeating our failings and re-applying the same remediation to the situation. Apologies that sound hollow second and third time around, excuses that sidestep the decisions that we regret.
A new approach is required. Something that removes the recurring failings and failing patches. Something that promises a new start with a clear expectation of improvement and successful outcome.
Something like my new inner tube.
Something like a new inner life provided by the Holy Spirit. Available conveniently through faith in Jesus Christ.
A verse
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Amen