" I Would Never_____!"

Am I accurate suggesting everyone would like to consider themselves having high moral standards and values? I have said and heard said, “I would never______!” (insert any value you "think" you would never violate) but is this true?  The "I would never______!" statement can only remain true when we resist, avoid and/or are prepared to overcome it.

For instance, Joseph in the Bible resists Potiphar’s invitation to commit adultery. But, could Joseph maintain absolutely, “I would never______?” I imagine that Moses would have said I would never murder; yet he commits murder. I wonder did Judas Iscariot ever say I would never betray Jesus the Christ; yet he betrays Jesus. Adam, the first born, probably thought I would never eat from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil; yet Genesis communicates he did. 

While it’s possible as in the case of Joseph, we can resist; avoid and prepare to overcome sin – we would do well to remember the phrase:

“There, but for the grace of God go I!” 

This statement is derived from John Bradford, English Reformer and martyr. Who while imprisoned witnessed other prisoners being led to their death and said “There, but for the grace of God goes John Bradford!” Bradford’s observation acknowledges that given different circumstances he too could have faced death from the warden.

When we say “I would never______!”, we are relying and trusting in our limited human ability and power. While belief in our own gifts and abilities breeds confidence, our “I would never______!” thinking sets us up for failure. If we are to resist; avoid and prepare to overcome our penchant to sin; development of a God-dependence is necessary.  John Bradford reminds us that it’s very possible to succumb to the circumstances before us – I would add circumstances both in and beyond our control.

Jesus warns Peter after he confidently says “I would never – “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you", responding “I tell you the truth, Peter – this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me”   Matthew 26:33-34. Jesus points to Peter’s (and our) lack of power over sin (temptations).

Our confidence to live a life of fidelity to Jesus and with high moral standards and values is only possible when we submit to God-dependent living. Our ability to resist; avoid and/or prepare to overcome sin begins when we realize and accept, 

“There, but for the grace of God go I!”

Each day, when we focus on being self-reliant we must remember never is closer than we think. Embracing God-dependence leads us to taking God honoring actions; knowing; and trusting without the grace of God, we would______(sin).

Take a moment now and begin practicing God-dependence saying, 

“Without the grace of God, I would_____!”

 -- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".