Bill Knott’s GraceNotes: Can’t Help Ourselves (July 24, 2020)

The ache in every life is change—change bitter, deadly attitudes; change toxic habits that destroy our health; change self-defeating fantasies of privilege and power. That ache has pushed uncounted millions to quick-fix themselves, clean up their act.  How do I tame my tongue?  When will I control unproductive—and unholy—thoughts?  Can I forgive my enemies? How will I pull myself from all the easy, sleazy ruts I traveled in for years? And so we  buy the self-help books; we make our lists.  We scan the magazines and websites for ten tips to overcome our anger; six strategies to conquer lust; three things that will reduce our appetite for all things cheap and tawdry.  Whole industries today depend on our obsessive quest to fix ourselves. Grace offers us a better way to change—a path so hopeful—yes, and joyful—we are deep-surprised at just how quick the progress comes in what we once thought unchangeable.  Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:4). When we attach ourselves to Him—when we cease focusing on failures and start growing with the only One who fixes all our pasts and futures—wonderful, amazing change begins.  First sprouts, then flowers, then fruits appear: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22). Connect to Christ.  And stay in grace. 

-Bill Knott

 

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