September 8, 2013

[you're okay]

Christian (n): professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus; commonly known for their too-good-to-be-true, upbeat attitude, perfect life, and outrageously high moral standards.
^^(my own comments included)

S.O.S!!!!!!!! I'm not feeling so "Christian."

It's easy to put on a façade, to take after the "stereotypical Christian" and pretend I don't have problems. It's easy to cover up these problems when people ask. What's not so easy.. being real.

NEWSFLASH:
Jacob was a cheater.
David had an affair.
Noah got drunk.
Paul was a murderer.
Gideon was insecure.
Jonah ran from God.
Thomas was a doubter.

All of these men were followers of God and yet all of these men had issues. Deep, sticky, scary issues. And the surprising part.. wait for it.. ALL of these men were loved and passionately pursued by God. Even when they messed up. That's the God I want to worship - how about you?

Why do we (myself most definitely included) as Christians try so hard to be perfect when we know we're not? I'm pretty sure that this was the reason I became a follower of Jesus Christ.. simply because I realized I was never going to be perfect. As hard as I tried and no matter how "good" I wanted to be, I came to the daunting yet freeing realization that I am never going to be holy enough, faithful enough, wise enough, strong enough, loving enough.. you name it.. for God. This is where Jesus comes in. Jesus is that for me.

You see that quote below my picture over there? "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." I wish I could say that this was always true of me. But it's not. Sorry if you're disappointed. Don't get me wrong - this is what I strive to be BUT unfortunately, I'm not perfect and it doesn't quite always work out that way.

So what does all of this mean?
 
You're flawed, and that's o-k-a-y. Join the crowd.
 
Jesus doesn't ask you to be perfect; rather, he prefers that you recognize your imperfection.

You are never too far gone.
 
Jesus loves you REGARDLESS of your sin.. big or small.
 
 
&
 
He wants to change your life!