“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'” Galatians 3:10

“Ugh!” “UGH!” “AHHHHHHH!” I was trying to get my pool pump cleaned, and the pesky top that unscrews off ALWAYS feels like it’s glued on! So I put more effort into it! I learned from MY dad that effort comes out in noises of frustration… and then defeat! In 35 years, I have done this job HUNDREDS of times. Yet I’ve never learned to just go and get the wrench BEFORE starting! DUH!

Now granted, as the pool filter basket cover has gotten older, it’s gotten harder to unscrew. Time does that to old parts. In men like me, time does the opposite… time makes me weaker! AND apparently dumber too! Because I certainly wasn’t thinking logically. Older, weaker me was trying to man-handle an old part that is practically FUSED together! Hearing demons laughing, I YELLED!!

As it took the whole of 2 minutes to walk to my toolbox in the garage to find and return with ‘The Wrench,’ I sensed The Holy Spirit chuckle as well! Then He spoke in His special way with no sound, “When will you ever learn son? Strength only comes through weakness” So pausing in weakness, I decided to look up the verse. Not because it was the first time. But cuz it SHOULD be the LAST!

This principle SHOULD immediately be acted upon in a Christian over 55 years. But I am living proof that God picks the foolish of the world to confound the wise (2 Corinthians 12)! TADAAAA! The whole ‘law vs faith’ principle is as universal and unchangeable as the laws ordering physics or gravity! AND the law governing my flesh as well. Deep down, I DON’T WANT TO GET IT! Sad!

As strange as it may sound, working to be and do good comes with us right out of the womb! I do bad, then feel bad. So I resolve to do better, then work harder toward that resolution. Which sounds good and pleases parents, teachers and bosses! But to God, it sounds like Idolatry! And THAT is what today’s verse actually means! Working HARDER at being good is a SIN! READ IT!

I am an old guy, which means my mind, will and emotions are even WEAKER than when I was first saved. If I couldn’t BE GOOD on my own THEN, there is NO possible way that trying harder now will get me anywhere close to that goal. What I NEED is a TOOL! That tool is the Cross of Jesus Christ, and all that He IS! That means dying to myself and submitting to HIS ability to work in me.

I”m happy to say that BOTH tools worked. The pool pump is cleaner and therefore more efficient at doing its job. And so am I!

Are YOU trying to be and do righteousness in your own power and strength? Are you frustrated enough to hear God’s snicker, dropping your own ideas of what it means to BE righteous in HIS eyes? Will you die to yourself so you can let Him live in and through you? If so.. Good boy (or girl!)!