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A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip. -Billy Graham
Philippians 4
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you
This quote from Billy Graham is one of my favorites. Not only is it thought-provoking but it reveals a more humorous side of Billy Graham than most of us knew.
Of course, there's not a one of us who could give our pet parrot to the town gossip and be comfortable. None of us are without blemish in our lives and none of us are without regrettable moments we wish we could erase.
A clear and constructive start to a new year for you and me would be to own up to those parts of ourselves which let God down, which betray our true calling in Christ, which we ourselves regret. In the classic understanding this is known as confession. In more practical terms, it's simply getting real about elements in our lives - attitudes, thoughts, actions, words - which need changing if we are going to be a better Christian this year than last year.
On the flip side, we can confess our blemishes knowing that God is ever ready to forgive us and help us start anew. While there can be no forgiveness without our true confession, God is eager to grant us His forgiveness and empower us to a new way of faithfulness. We've just come through that remarkable season in which we sang carols and heart texts which repeat again and again God's desire to forgive us.
As we confess and seek God's forgiveness and help, we can start over; we can begin to walk a path of faithfulness which we truly desire. I don't believe any of you reading this devotional wants other than to be faithful. So, why not start now? Why not step forward honestly before God and seek His divine Presence and Power to live as one who loves Him and follows Christ.
On Christmas Eve I quoted Louise Fletcher Tarkington's noted poetic piece. I said there is a place to begin again...at the feet of Christ; as we truly seek it and desire it before God.
I wish there was some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and
All our heartaches
And all our selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
And never be put on again.
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