Once you know, act like you know.  If I am set apart for eternity spent with a Holy and Righteous God then it is plain foolishness for me to exhibit a life dedicated to sensory fulfillment.  If I know that to be comfortable here and to gain my blessings in this life I must forgo those exponential treasures beyond my current comprehension which reside in heaven upon my waiting, what manner of fool must I proclaim myself  when I would choose the momentary benefits of this life?  If this is a trial, through which I get my sea legs, balance and strength, then each trial prepares me to be ready for those things which await me upon my expiration.  Patience is painful to them who want things right now, but to the man with his eyes and heart set upon glory, patience is the blessing that leads to maturity and hope of perfection.

What sins remain clutched in my grasp, especially those for which I am either deceived, in denial or refuse to relinquish?  I know what they are, you probably loving me, know what they are, what makes me think I can just go through life with them tight in my fist and not have problems in my relationship with God?  This is not rocket science, yet seeking an excuse I proclaim it impossible, hoping that even one person gives me justification or adequate sympathy to allow me to self-excuse my wickedness and un-repentance.

If I hate then I am an angry fool he doesn’t take seriously God’s unconditional love for me.  If I steal then I do not trust God and haven’t the requisite faith to believe in his promise to provide for my every need.  If I lie I am denying my identity in Christ and hoping that the world with love me for the man I purport myself to be.  If my eyes lust for what you have or deny you what is rightfully yours then I without love in my heart and seek to be fulfilled through the pride of consuming everything in my sphere of influence.  Truth requires honesty, honesty requires transparency, transparency requires confession and confession leads to forgiveness.  Without truth there is no forgiveness.  Why do I continue to believe that I can somehow shave the truth and still get bye?

It is okay to want, but offer those desires to God and be thankful with what he gives you knowing that his will is best for your life.  Sometimes a Father says NO, because what you have requested is neither good for your life, leads to prosperity or fulfills his plan for your time in this era.  Do not stop asking because that leads to a poor relationship with God or to your own efforts to fulfill your provision.  He is a good Father and wants the best for you, but know this when you ask him, that the answer can be  YES,  NO or Wait on his timing.  Do not demonstrate your rebellious nature and your lack of love for the Father by going and doing what you wanted to anyway.  Your relationship will suffer and though your sensory blessings may be temporarily fulfilled your long term blessings will be stunted and may never come to fruition. What are you living for the here and now or for eternity?

Decision and demonstration, decision and demonstration that is the process of identifying what is right and truly in your heart.  If you decide for Christ and hold that relationship in the greatest love, strength, mind, soul and spirit then you will forgo the short term benefits of fleshly pursuits.  If you want what you want when you want it and are determined that God’s timing is always too long, then you will find your blessings are only available in this life and not the next.  But beware, your actions now identify where you are in your walk.  Don’t act worldly and then be surprised at some point that you weren’t counted among those Spiritual few who are called according to his purpose.  Your decisions are your decisions, don’t blame God, don’t blame your wife and don’t blame your parents, because on that fateful day it will be only you and God.

In Jesus name I pray that you take a realistic look at your life and make determinations based upon what you see.  If you need some help, I am certain you know a Christian who loves you enough to tell you truth and pray for you to have a change of heart.  God guide you in your journey.