Psalm 119:1,5-6
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
Unfortunately, too many of us believe that our ways are blameless, but in reality, we all know that's just not true. We try our best. We do what we can. But no matter how hard we try we constantly fall short. There isn't a single person among us whose ways are blameless. This is true even for Christians.
This struggle is even greater for Christians. As Christians, we want to obey God's laws. We study his Word and try to walk in accord with his commands, but daily we fall short. Christians see this gap because they understand God demands perfection and none of us obey him perfectly. While the unbeliever goes about his day not even thinking about this. He actually believes he is just fine because "he's certainly better than most."
Sadly, people who want to believe this will know the truth one day, no matter how much they try to deny it now. On the Day of Judgment, everyone will know the truth of God's Word. Everyone will know that Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. On that day it will be too late for people to change their mind.
Thankfully, God has graciously given everyone the gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ (though many reject it). Faith in Jesus is the motivation for the Psalm above. It is faith in Jesus that makes us rejoice in God's decrees. It is faith in Jesus that brings joy to our hearts, giving us the assurance that our sins are forgiven and we are saved by his blood. It is faith in Jesus that motivates us to want to walk according to the law of the Lord.
This Christmas season I am thankful for two gifts that I received a long time ago: Jesus Christ, the One who died and rose again to redeem all people from the power of sin, death, and the devil; and the faith to believe it.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
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