Finishing Well

     When my children were toddlers, the rule was no food or drink except in the kitchen. It was moppable and carpet was in the rest of the house so there was a reason for the rule. Of course, they would go to the very edge of it - until I would say, you know the rule, and they would go back to the table. But they never went beyond the invisible boundary. They respected the authority and the rule worked.      Well, then fast forward to grandchildren. Suddenly grace abounded and was extended to them, even though they knew of the rule. I remember a particular spill that occurred - and had it been a child instead of grandchild - I would've become "The Enforcer". But Granny grace said, it's ok!      Now, had said grandchild deliberately and willfully upended the sippycup to make milk patterns on the carpet........granny grace would've been all over that. Authority had to jump up and restate the rule forgotten. Chastisement would have to be rendered. Cup impounded.

In 1 Peter, we are told that we are to be holy because God is Holy. So, what does that look like? As obedient children, we are not to conform to our former lusts, but to be holy in all our conduct. How then do we walk that out? We first have to see sin as God sees it, coming short of what He requires. But, God, I'm just human! Yes, but as a child of God, a born again believer, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we are to live for Him! Paul said it this way in Galatians: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Which brings us a new question. What must I do with my sin? David tells us that in Psalm 51, and we have to recognize and realize our sin. People can tell us all day that we committed a sin, but until God points it out we will hide it, allow it, and not stop it. But when God shows us the sin, our