Justification, Joy, & Rest

It seems I either spend my time relatively oblivious to my sin and happily so, or I spend my time overwhelmed by my depravity though still holding joy that I am justified.  The problem is that I don’t often bring the two together.  The first posture is dangerous.  It is naive.  The second is good so long as it forces you to realize that love and grace go much deeper than any depravity we could know.  We ought to know our depravity, but dwell on the love that has been given lavishly.  Herein is our rest and quiescence.

Humility

So, last week, I asked God to humble me and show me my sin.  He did, and it sucked.  But now I’ve repented and it’s so much better being aware of it and trying to avoid it than being oblivious to it.  I’ve also been reading a book about how Peter stumbles.  Satan asks to sift him and God let’s him fail, but God is faithful and turns him around, and afterward uses him to strengthen the church.  We will be disciplined because we won’t be perfect this side of heaven.  It all seems painful in the moment but eventually it produces righteousness and peace.  Well worth it.