I Am Not Yet Perfect!

Well, duh.  This week’s truth may seem to be a no brainer.  But take a look at how I beat myself up when I blow it – as if I expect I should be getting it all right – and that is a true measure of how much I do (and don’t!) yet embrace this truth.

Also, in week 6 we explored the truth “I am a saint” and that is so true!  Even on my worst days!  But that doesn’t mean I always act like a saint…  So in my present reality my current experience isn’t always the same as my true identity in Christ.  What am I to do with that?

Some people deny or pretend and hide – but that misses the point entirely!

In Chapter 8 of his book Who Am I? Jerry Bridges makes it clear – If you want to grow in understanding who you are in Christ, it is vital you embrace the reality “I Am Not Yet Perfect.”  If I think there’s anything good in me, I’m going to keep looking to that to prop up my self-esteem.  But the sad fact is that’s a delusional prop.    And can the enemy ever use it to beat me down and rob me of joy!

But when I embrace the reality I’m imperfect, totally resting in what Jesus has done for me, deriving my worth from Him alone, does that ever pave the way for me to keep growing in looking to Him by faith for my identity!  This doesn’t mean I don’t keep seeking to grow and become more like Jesus, following Him and obeying Him.  But my motivation for that is gratitude for what He’s done and to bring pleasure to Him, NOT to gain His acceptance!

In truth, I’m still not at the point where I always exult in my weaknesses – but processing through this chapter has certainly helped me get closer to being able to do this – and stop beating myself up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To get started processing this week’s truth, click on “Chapter 8” in the menu above ~ and may the Lord richly pour on the grace enabling you to better understand and embrace this truth at the heart level as you do!

Are You A Serial Sinner?

I know I sure am!  Not a day passes that I don’t sin in thought, word, deed, or motive.  No matter how big or small such sins may appear they all have one thing in common – they are an act of rebellion against God!  Every time I choose to go my own way instead of His, I reject his rule in my life, choosing to live as if I know better.  Fifty years times every single day… that’s a whole lot of sin!

What a blessing Jesus took my place, paying the ultimate penalty for my sin when he died on the cross.  But this didn’t just result in God pardoning me.  No!  At the moment I accepted Jesus’ payment as my own, God changed me into a different person, giving me a new heart, a new spirit, a new identity and a new relationship with Himself!  I am a New Creation!

Just wait till you hear how Jerry Bridges expounds on this truth and illustrates the difference really grasping this can make in your life!  Are you ever in for a spiritual feast this week that’s sure to leave you rejoicing!  … and transformed as you apply it!

photo-24

To dive in, click on Week 5 in the menu bar above. And may you enjoy some sweet time being taught by the Lord as you feast on the treasure featured here!

Bon Appetit!

Recent Comments