"Most Wanted"

(Thanks to our dear brother and friend Mike S. for inspiration on this one).

"Most Wanted"

   

   I write the following as a confession, and because I genuinely desire to change the inexcusable failing I now acknowledge to you.

   "Confess your faults one to another" (James 5:16).

   I am really terrible regarding the matter of returning library books on time.  I mean really terrible.  I wish I had an excuse, but I don't.  Our library sends notices by email, I have a good enough memory to have a general idea about due dates, and I fully intend to meet the deadlines.  I even have a dear friend who works at the local library, and I'm fully aware that he must regularly see my name on the "Most Wanted" list of overdue offenders.  Somehow, though, I continue to hold books for much longer than I should, with absolutely no excuse whatsoever.

   The thought occurred to me today regarding how completely selfish I am in this matter.  If I don't return books on time, I prevent other people from checking them out.  They fail to benefit from the material because I let the books sit on my shelf and collect dust.  I should have considered this much sooner, and I hope this realization helps me to change my ways, by God's leading and enabling.  Indeed, can you imagine the Lord Jesus not returning library books on time?  I can't.  As one who seeks to honor and represent Him, I therefore do not reflect well on our Savior by my selfishness and lack of consideration for others.

    I am confident of the Lord's forgiveness and cleansing as I acknowledge my sin, and I am also confident that He calls me to change.  "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).  I also know that He provides power for obedience through the indwelling Holy Spirit.  So, my determination is to trust Him for such leading and enabling, and to remember that our Heavenly Father calls me love Him and others in this matter that requires so little real sacrifice.  I appreciate your prayers accordingly, and given time, perhaps I can even get my name removed from the "Most Wanted" list.  I'll check with my friend at the library, and keep you posted!

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

(I John 1:9)

"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

(Ephesians 2:10)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men.

(Psalm 9:20)