Wednesday, November 15, 2006
So often we seem to create a harsh God. A God who demands perfection and when He doesn't receive it from us He judges in harsh ways. I think we've forgotten the God who sent His only son to become a sacrifice for all who would accept. We've forgotten the Saviour who had every right to condemn the woman that the Pharisees brought to Him, when they caught her in the act of adultery. We read that story and we focus on how Jesus didn't fall into the trap that the Pharisees had set. I think we've missed the ending. When all had left because they felt they were unworthy of casting the first stone, Jesus looks up and says: "Woman, where are they? Has no one judged you guilty?" She answers, "No one, sir." Then Jesus says "I also don't judge you guilty. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
We instead put the focus on us, pushing ourselves to obtain perfection, and beating ourselves up when we fall short. Am I saying the quest to honor God is not commanded or nobel, not in the least. But we have to realize that we can't do it on our own, in fact we really can't do any of it.
It is not until God strips you bare, when you are in the lowest and darkest valley that you can really realize how unable you are to earn your salvation. It is in that moment that you see a God of love, not a harsh dictator. He knew you were going to fail before you did, and he forgave everyone of your sins...even the ones you have yet to commit.
He has pronounced you "Not Guilty", don't forget that message. Don't pass over it to quickly in your quest to perfection or to judge the person beside you. Stop, and ask yourself....how do I view God?
Don't forget the love.
We instead put the focus on us, pushing ourselves to obtain perfection, and beating ourselves up when we fall short. Am I saying the quest to honor God is not commanded or nobel, not in the least. But we have to realize that we can't do it on our own, in fact we really can't do any of it.
It is not until God strips you bare, when you are in the lowest and darkest valley that you can really realize how unable you are to earn your salvation. It is in that moment that you see a God of love, not a harsh dictator. He knew you were going to fail before you did, and he forgave everyone of your sins...even the ones you have yet to commit.
He has pronounced you "Not Guilty", don't forget that message. Don't pass over it to quickly in your quest to perfection or to judge the person beside you. Stop, and ask yourself....how do I view God?
Don't forget the love.
Labels: Spiritual