THE TIME IS NOW
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Malachi 3:13-20
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 11:5-13
It is a growing concern that most people declare themselves innocent. We minimise our faults and amplify our goodness. Celebrate your strengths and publish your good deeds if it makes you happy. But never deny your faults or delude yourself into thinking that it is normal to sin. A good way to evade this delusion is to reflect daily (if possible) on the Ten Commandments. What does it teach? It teaches virtue and guards against vice. It ensures that we relate favourably with God and with our neighbour.
The ten commandments are:
Love God and shun false worship of any kind.
Honour the Day of the Lord with prayer and rest.
Speak God’s name reverently and refrain from profanity or cussing.
Honour and obey your parents.
Respect human life and do not harm yourself in any way.
Be chaste in mind and body and faithful to your spouse.
Respect people’s belongings and seek their permission before taking them.
Speak well of others and avoid gossiping.
Be contented. Take your eyes off the blessings of others and their belongings.
Let me shock you. Do you realise that when you condemn people who appear to be well off, you are doing something wrong? You may even have evidence to support your claim that they have made their wealth through questionable means, but you must be careful not to allow your heart to be consumed by bitterness and malice, which prevents you from dissociating the sinner from the sin. Love the sinner always and hate the sin. At this moment, someone is probably thinking that you are enjoying something you do not merit. Are they justified in thinking you are evil because of that? What then should the righteous do?
The Prophet Malachi guides us with consoling words: “For the day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays” (Malachi 3:18-20). We are all living in a time of mercy. We enjoy life, good health, food, friends and other privileges despite our persistence in sin. God is not weak. He is being patient with us all. But this will not go on indefinitely. The day shall come when each of us shall render an account for our lives and how we have treated others. His presence will either burn us up or purify us. Only those who fear the Lord will be vindicated.
Instead of gloating over the good fortune of others, thank God for his graciousness to you. Instead of condemning the sinner, pray for their conversion. Instead of lining your pockets and stuffing your belly, be generous to the needy. Instead of keeping malice, offer forgiveness. Instead of raising your shoulder and feeling entitled, pray for the exposure of your hidden faults and go to confession in deep contrition and sorrow. Today is a good time to grow in wisdom.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, forgive my self-righteousness and purify my soul from hidden faults. Amen.
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