Naughty or nice

In children’s terms, Christmas is just around the corner. And for those kids whose parents lean on the disciplinary tactics of our friend Santa Claus, it is now crunch time to make it onto the “nice” list. The goal of getting presents better than a lump of coal can be a lofty one, but one that is often achieved by kids who probably don’t deserve it. Because really? Kids can be naughty. Believe me, I have three of them, and there hasn’t been a day gone by in their short lives that I didn’t shake my head at the shenanigans they can get themselves into. But yet, they seem to get their gifts anyway. I suppose that could be a lesson in grace.

Paul gives Timothy a laundry list of do’s and don’ts, and it is a doozy. Just looking at it makes my head spin, and almost like a fraud because I know I’m not all that close to the mark. It is like an unattainable goal; no one can be good enough. But then I see how Paul begins the passage: “Do your best.” The goal isn’t to achieve, but to attempt. Because even in failure (and believe me, I’ve failed a lot), there is forgiveness, there is redemption, there is grace.

Gracious God, thank you for your unchanging regard for us your children. Amen. — NF