To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 10, Day 4 – Reconciliation Reconnects Us to the Design that God Has for Our Lives
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Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:12–13
God’s word provides plenty of warning about falling into sin, yet we often fail to see our own sin until it’s too late. Falling is never pleasant. It brings embarrassment, confusion, disappointment, and can even lead to despair. God, however, provides a remedy for sin, an escape that is laid out before us, provided we are open and humble enough to take it in faith.
Accountability begins with discerning our own faults and failings. We must remember that without the grace of God we would not be able to stand. Sometimes it can be easier to see the sins and imperfections of our brothers than it is to see our own. Yet we cannot hold our brothers accountable or accompany them on the path to perfection if we are not willing to see our own sins, and our own need for accountability. Our ability to make a positive mark on the Church will fall short unless we are willing to see our own sin before we see our brother’s.
Questions for reflection
Have you fallen into sin due to your own arrogance and pride? How did you come to recognize the situation, and what did you do about it?
How do you respond when another person confronts you in some sin or failing? Do you allow your brothers to accompany you and lift you up when you stumble?
How has personal accountability helped you to have a greater impact on others’ lives and on the future of the Church?
Praying with Scripture
Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Cor 9:26–27)
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
