BUT NOT YET

Saint Augustine (354-430 AD) is said to have prayed, “Lord, take my sin from me—but not yet.”
I first read this quote many years ago and have thought of it many times since when I have a sin that I do not want to yet release. But not yet…is a real waffle excuse to remain in situations and sins that we should get rid of quickly.
I want to forgive my boss…but not yet.
I want to forgive my wife/husband… but not yet.
I want to repay that debt… but not yet.
I want to stop pornography…but not yet.
I want to get rid of video games…but not yet.
I want to stop watching so much TV…but not yet.
I want to forgive the church that ‘did me wrong’…but not yet.
This list could of course be as long as we want to make it. Or, we could fully repent and be done with all of it… or as much as we possibly can. We can swim in this murky water and pain or get out and rinse off.
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Jesus