I confess. I’m guilty. After reading Luke 12 I can only say, “I’m guilty.”
I’m guilty of misplaced priorities.
I’m guilty of teaching/preaching/saying one thing but doing the opposite.
I’m guilty of living for this world and not another.
I’m guilty of mismanaging the little. (How then can I be trusted with the much?)
I’m guilty of not seeking God’s kingdom first.
I’m guilty of being so “here-focused” that I am seldom “there-focused.”
I’m guilty of worrying about my future, sometimes dwelling on it too much and lamenting financial mismanagment and a lack of preparation for retirement.
I’m guilty of greed, of not being satisfied with what I have. (Can anyone say vehicles?)
I’m guilty of a heart divided.
After all that guilt there is only one way to assuage it. Jesus put it succinctly: “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.” (12:15 NASB2020)
Keep my priorities where they belong. Focus on Jesus. Pursue Him and His righteousness. Leave the future in His more than capable hands.
“There you have it Father. My manifesto about my future. Guilty? Yes. Forgiven? Most definitely. Re-focused on You? My desire. May it be with your strength and direction.”
I think all of us, when we are honest with ourselves, are guilty as charged. May God forgive us . . .
Blessings, Bill!
I didn’t figure I was alone but it sure is nice to hear. 🙂
Life has a way of getting away from us doesn’t it. I think we can all generate lists of “guilty” decisions. I know I can spend too much time second guessing my past decisions. My goal moving forward is to continually refocus. Learn from (not dwell on) my mistakes and make positive steps to course correct where I can. That must be with God’s strength and direction as you have prayed.
You picked up on an important thought Ryan. Thinking about learning from the past is okay, bu dwelling on something in the past is not good. Definitely refocus and move forward is a good process.
I’ve been so guilty of this lately.. my focus has totally changed because of the things that I own.
As you can read Ed, I have no reason to talk. I’m in the same boat.
Father, I stand before you guilty, my eyes are not always focused where they should be, my heart is not always aligned where it needs to be, my thoughts are not always where they should be, my treasures are not always what they should be. You made me in Your image, and I do not live up to that. Thank-you for your mercies every morning, Your forgiveness and love. Father please keep realigning me, refocussing, and shaping me, and teaching me to need only YOU.
Great prayer Gail, especially that last small phrase: “teaching me to need only YOU.”
guilty as charged. redeemed and set free by His grace.
thank You, Jesus.
As stated, I am also part of the redeemed and set free. Thanks Linda.