Exact

I have been convicted by the Lord in many of my deeds; I am a person of approximation and probability. However, recently the Lord deeply convicted of my need for a change from such improper character. It is not an obvious sin to be on approximation with a lame excuses of "its OK." I had to pay a higher price for this loose character.

I went out to buy a replacement for a sewage cover without measuring the exact dimension. The only thing I knew was it was square in size and approximately 10 sq ft. On this assumption I purchased a 10 sq ft cover. On fixing it to the required gadget, I found it was too small. Then I went to replace with another one by measuring the extra portion with my figures without actual or exact measurement. Lo and behold, to my own foolish wisdom, it was too big again. This incident struck me deeply of what kind of character I possess. Had I measured the exact size I could have got the right one at the first go or at least take another similar cover for reference.

Similarly, I was in a market to purchase a formal trouser. Assuming my size to be 32 inches, of which size  I used to wear, but I have grown a bit since then. I blindly purchased two trousers of the best from a show-table. And I did not bother to try it there and then. When I reached home, again, lo and behold, as I tried my legs into it, I couldn't even squeeze my legs fully in; it was too tight. It should have be at least a 34 inches. 

These two incidents are good enough for a life long lesson on being "exact." Had it not been for these cases, I would never have paid attention to the matter of being exact. Thank God, I at least have the opportunity to learn. Lord, deliver me from my stubbornness and make me learn this lesson well and thoroughly. 

And this reminds me of my need to be exact even in my words. "Yes" for yes and not "may be" or "let's see." And "No" for no and not "let me consider or think about it." No wonder the Lord cannot use me in many of His services for these loopholes in my character. Still, it's not too late. From now on I must learn to be exact in my words and deeds. No approximation, no assumption and no presumption. Just be exact!

Lord, grant me the grace to be exact in every matter great and small; and to be honest, frank and straight forward.