Re:Verse reading–Luke 5:1-11 (day four)
It is a principle taught in Scripture…Paul told us about it in Philippians. “And my God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (4:19) Simon witnessed it firsthand. Jesus provided a catch of fish that was overwhelming. It was impressive, but it was not the miracle that awed Simon. Simon recognized that only the creator God could do what Jesus did…he recognized Jesus for who He was. The amazement of Simon quickly resulted in his recognition of his own sinfulness. In the presence of the glory of God, our sinfulness is magnified to its reality.
Simon’s response was to repent and worship…what is your response? Everyone responds to the gospel, one way or another. Some respond like Simon, some reject the truth. When we recognize our sin and know the consequences of our sin, what we do next is critical to our eternal life or death. We are without excuse…God has made it plain…how will you respond?
How do we live our lives matters? How do we evaluate the way we conduct our daily lives? Right and wrong, blessing and judgment, immoral and moral, righteous and unrighteous, just and unjust, fair and unfair and I can go on and on.
We feel great when our mistakes are forgiven by those who care about us and love us unconditionally. But how do we know we make mistakes or don’t comply with the requirements that are imposed on us?
We must base on known standards that are used to assess how well we have achieved those standards or whether we have failed. In the organizational context, we have to base on performance standards that are set by people with power and authority over us. In the spiritual context of Christianity, we have to base on God’s standards and boundaries.
Right or wrong, blessing or judgment, immoral or moral, righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, fair or unfair are in the eyes of the beholders. However, through self-assessment, if we know that we are not in compliance with known standards, changing course or taking a corrective action would be what we should do timely so we can enjoy freedom from fear, have peace and joy.
In my view, we sin against God, our Creator, when we do not act or behave within boundaries and standards God has set for us. God cares about improvements and repentance/change so, from my perspective, if we are not measured up to God’s boundaries and standards, admit our sins, humble ourselves before God and He will lead the way so we can have long-lasting peace, joy, happiness and eternity with Him through Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! Going God’s way surely will help us avoid the bumpy roads in our earthy life journey and have an assurance to join Jesus in God’s Kingdom.
How often do you do self-reflection and self-assessment for ensuring that you are in the right track of where you are heading to? Are you pleased with your self-assessment results? What standards and boundaries do you feel you have not met? What do you have to change/repent so you can walk with God comfortably? How do you feel when you can humbly admit your own mistakes or your sins before God? Do you care about right or wrong, blessing or judgment, immoral or moral, righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, fair or unfair?
I do care about standards and requirements which are used to measure my success or failure in God’s Kingdom or in life in general; but I fear more about God’s judgement! How do we choose to live our lives, Godly or ungodly matters when Jesus returns! Do we all know what is considered sins based on God’s boundaries and standards? How we live our lives matters!!