By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
As humans, we have many weaknesses and shortcomings; but I want to focus on the weakness of the flesh. Our fleshly desires create the thoughts and actions that are sin.
Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV): Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Due to the fact that humans will always have flesh, humans will always have sin. As we read above, sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God; yet Jesus promised humans that He is preparing a place for them in the kingdom.
John 14:2 (NIV): My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
It is without a doubt, we do not deserve the favor God has shown us. With the wages of sin being death, we are not worthy to reside in heaven. We find ourselves fortunate to have a Father who loves us so much He would give us His only begotten Son. It is by putting to death our flesh in the watery grave of baptism that we put on the spirit of Christ. It is a blessing to be a child of God and it is a gift that we could never earn or repay.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
As any child, the best way for us to show our love and appreciation to our Father is by obeying Him. When we obey the words of our Father, He continues to shower us with grace and mercy. That is the reason we work for the Lord with all of our heart; not because we believe it will earn us admission to heaven, but because our love and faith provokes us to action (James 2:18). Like a child purchasing a tie on Father’s Day or coloring a picture on Mother’s Day; their love is so great that they find joy giving to their parents. Just as humorous as the idea that those gifts will settle a child’s debt to his/her parents, it is equally humorous for us to believe we can repay God for the blessings He provides us. Fortunately for all of us, we are not required to repay our debt as God’s Grace is sufficient for us all.
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