The Phil Files

Yesterday I was practicing my archery and using two different kinds of points on the arrows I was using. At first neither was hitting the mark — they were both off. But as I began to tune in my aiming device, I began to get one of the types of points to hit spot on target, but the other points hit low and about 4 inches to the right. This is not a good sign and no matter how careful I was, I was still off target. I still had work to do on my sights, and even more importantly, on the tuning of my bow.

Interestingly, the term for sin means to “miss the mark” or, as the apostle Paul describes it, “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sometimes despite our best intentions, we miss the mark or fall short of where we need to be with God. On the other hand, there are other times when we rebel against God and willfully sin — we trespass against the will of God. The mess our world is in, the mess we often find ourselves in, is a result of either missing the mark or willfully transgress against what God wants for us (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Thankfully, God’s grace has triumphed over our sin through Jesus and gives us a new purpose in life as God’s special creation (Ephesians 2:4-10). So today, I am thankful for God’s forgiveness. I am thankful that the Father has forgiven me for the times I didn’t measure up, fell short, and missed the mark he set for me. Even more, I am thankful for the grace and forgiveness God has extended to me even when I’ve rebelled and trespassed against His holy will for my life!

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.

I am so thankful that God didn’t just forgive and cleanse me, but that He also has a purpose for me and a life to live that honors Him. I am not just saved from sin and death, I am saved for a life that reflects His character and compassion. He has called me to live a holy life.

Unfortunately, we often don’t associate the call to holy living as an act of God’s grace. In fact, many don’t talk about God’s call for us to live a holy life. In my Heartlight.org article this week, “God’s Twin Grace.” There, I say:

God’s searching love welcomes all who will come to Jesus for life and that love transforms us so we can live our life in ways that reflect His character and honor His sacrifice.

I have often wondered why we have such a hard time understanding this principle and embracing the transformation of our lives as part of that gracious gift from God?

Why do you think so many in Western culture seem to understand grace in terms of mercy and acceptance and ignore the call to transformation?

How can we talk about salvation if it does not change us now?

What is the hardest, yet most wonderful, transformation that God has accomplished in your life?