Not long ago someone offered to “edit me.” In context it obviously meant “edit my writing,” but still it aroused a wild thought about something that would be quite a superpower: the ability to edit a person. I wanted to start with myself. Bad choices from 1997? Erased or amended. Faults? Smoothed over, like yesterday. Almost as quickly as the thought came forth, though, another thought arose and destroyed it, quietly but utterly. Everything on the record will stand; I am content in this, and regret nothing. Not because I’m “real,” or “raw,” or “I gotta be me,” but because the kindness of God moves me to repent and to be satisfied with His mercy. That satisfaction leaves no room for self-editing.
Editing or repenting?
14 June 2013 by David
Posted in Luther's First Thesis, Philosophy | Tagged mercy, repentance | 5 Comments
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A terribly important distinction, and an ongoing tension in my heart. Thanks for putting good words to it!
Thanks, James. The issue is pretty clear when applied to the past; it’s there that the grace vs. editing issue appears in boldest relief. It gets a bit murkier in the present going forward. Sanctification does demand effort from us, and it requires considerable care to trace the motive and power of our efforts down to the roots. Cheers.
Well said, though I wish the issue of the past was always as clear in my head as when I read this!
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[…] David Mitchel, Editing or Repenting? (June 14, […]