Not As I Do

Psalm 119:13 – With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. (NIV)

I remember a childhood friend's father fondly for his words of wisdom to his children. "Don't do as I do; do as I say do. At my age, I know the right way to live, but sometimes, I fail to do so."

First of all, his humility and honesty impressed me as a child. Most adults I knew pretended to be right, regardless of circumstances. Even as a child, I could see their faults shining through their outward veneer.

The Apostle Paul struggled with this problem also.

Romans 7:19,22 – For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. For in my inner being I delight in God's law. (NIV)

When Christians enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church, they form a covenant or agreement to live in a certain way. So often, even though we know the right way to live, we find ourselves failing to do so. As my friend's father said, "Do as I say. I will not lead you wrong, even though sometimes my outward actions may fail me."

None of us is perfect. Like Paul, sometimes the harder we try, the more our feet slip or our tongue gets out of control. We want to keep God's laws, but we haven't yet reached perfection. We know the law, but somehow, we have not learned to express it in our daily lives when the pressure is on us. But we can keep trying and we can be thankful for a loving Saviour Who gives us a second chance.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus who died for our sins, thank You for second chances when we fail to abide by Your laws and Your precepts. Amen.

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