Separation Without Damage? Impossible!

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:3-6

I have a small plaque at home that has a wonderful and comforting Bible verse written on it. And, while I like the verse, it was not the reason I bought the plaque. On the back of it is a bright orange sticker that says CAUTION! The warning explains that the plaque is made with materials such that if you stack two of them together, you won’t be able to get them apart. They will be, “Impossible to separate without damage to both.”

This is our relationship with Christ. We were created to be attached to him. God has placed him in our lives as Savior, Teacher, Friend, and so much more. Our lives are intertwined with his, and that means when we are led astray, the separation hurts.

Is it because we know what a tremendous healer he is that we often take our relationship with him for granted? We don’t give it a second thought, because after all, he can repair the damage. Is it because we know that he will always be available for us? That is, just as soon as we find the time for him. Whatever the reason, it grieves Jesus you when you pull away from him, and separation causes us loneliness, confusion, and even pain.

What has caused you to separate yourself from him already this week? Too many television shows to get caught up on? Too many practices to attend? Too much gossip to share? (Fill in your own excuse here.) Can you feel the damage?

Unfortunately, as moms, when we separate ourselves from time with our Savior, the damage is not only ours; it is our children’s as well. How can we teach them his Word without being in it ourselves? How can we ensure that our children are surrounded by friends who know Jesus, if we never take them to Sunday school? How can we expect them to talk to their Heavenly Father if we never do?

Jesus can indeed repair any damage done by our sinful condition. Let him do this for you today.

God My Savior,

I come to you today for regeneration and renewal. Forgive me of my sins, and repair the damage I have done by putting my passion for the world above my passion for you. I thank you for the salvation I have through your death and resurrection!

In Your Merciful Name, Amen.