Acts 10:43 – All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)

Have you ever looked at your fingernails in spiritual way? I was sitting at the table, thinking about the devotionals that I had just read and prayed about, when I started looking at my nails. I could not help but think that it was only two weeks ago that my nails were beautiful, all the same length with pretty polish.

Now two weeks later, they are a mess. I guess I have been busy, ignoring the proper care needed. Some are broken, and some need some filing to save them. Then it hit me: this is like our walk with Jesus. We can get busy with life when things are going well, and ignore our spiritual care. By just doing life and not spending time with Jesus, reading the Bible, and doing our best to live what the Word says, we can end up in somewhat of a mess.

I used to bite my nails terribly, and nothing my mom tried helped. But I noticed a classmate in public school who had beautiful nails. Even then, I asked God for some help. If Karen could have beautiful nails, why couldn't I? I did not realize the impact that simply asking God would eventually have on my life. I noticed that little by little, my nails were growing.

The same principle works in our spiritual life. With Jesus, we can have a beautiful, abundant life. Because of His cross, we are forgiven of our bad habits and sins. When we get distracted and slip up, He is there to forgive us and to file away the rough spots, as one might say.

Just as there are products and procedures to have beautiful nails, we are blessed to have products and procedures to have a beautiful life. We have the Bible, we have prayer, and we have the fellowship and worship of our church. These give us strength and keep us in shape to persist in running the race. Our life isn't perfect, but God is always there with the emery board to file away and smooth things out. He puts people in our lives and on our paths to encourage us.

What habits or distractions are we willing to let God continue to use the emery board on?

Prayer: Merciful Jesus, thank You for Your patience and forgiveness. May the Holy Spirit keep reminding us of things that we need to be doing, things that we need to let go of, and things for You to take the emery board to. Help us to see people and things the way You see them, and help us to live a life that glorifies You. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.