Good News For Every Imperfect Christian
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I’ve spent years…and energy trying to be perfect. And burned myself out in the end.
All the while I cited Jesus’ words, “Be ye perfect, even as my Father in heaven is perfect.” Sure, I knew that I shouldn’t live this Christian life in my own strength – and had you asked me then, I would have told you that it was only by grace.
But I didn’t understand grace then.
I didn’t understand what Jesus meant by perfect.
The Good News For Every Imperfect Christian
Deep inside I battled with what I understood perfect to be and my own human tendency to blow it….every single day.
I was afraid to let go of perfection because I was so afraid that by letting go of it, I’d snap right over to the other extreme of permissive, carnal living.
I’d read lists, like in Psalm 15, and while outwardly I’d shout “Amen!” inwardly I would cringe because I’d only see more areas where I fell short:
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart
He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
What I’d see is this:
Who can enjoy the presence of God?
Strike
Strike
Strike
Strike
Strike
I’m doomed!
That is until I learned that without Jesus Christ – without His blood – I’ll never be perfect.
But God takes my humanness, my brokenness, and all my flaws and in his perfect hands He brings me to completion.
Even when I mess up.
And because of His grace I’m not doomed. I can enjoy His presence. I just keep my heart open to His voice pointing out areas that need to change – but always in love!
Many times when we teach God’s word, our enemy loves to discredit us by reminding us of our failures. It is an indicator that we are called to say something, teach something that the enemy really doesn’t want us too. We second guess ourselves and wonder if we truly are qualified to teach anyone anything from God’s Holy word. While we are human and we do fail miserably, that doesn’t mean we should not obey His calling and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. And like you said, we have that throne of amazing grace where we can sit and be reassured of His love for us. Keep teaching, Sister!! You have words many need to hear. May you be blessed in your humble serving of the Lord.
Isn’t that an eye-opener, when we read, agree, and write about something we read in Scripture, and then the realization hits us that we need to stop and truly consider the condition of our own hearts? It isn’t always a fun place to be, but it always grows us for His good.
Happy New Year, Rosilind, and thanks so much for featuring Dear Thin-Skinned Blogger.
Yes – that is the beauty of the Word…it is living, deepening, widening but never changing. Happy New Year to you, too!