My readers are vigilant, often giving me kudos for going after the relationally insensitive, and calling out those that knowingly break the "rules." It makes me wonder, are we cheering on the under-dogs, or are we enjoying the prideful, yet well deserved smack upside the head from Mr. Fire and Grace? I was just thinkin'.There is the constant battle against the rationalization that we are "not perfect" - which is true, and the notion of unobtainable legalistic perfection. Embracing the truth about grace, however; is not permission to act badly. It should be a sign that we need to constantly, as Paul said, "take our thoughts captive," and examine our behavior.
How many of us do you suppose actually do that; examine our behavior? Are we sitting here having some of these thoughts: "I am a poor employee because they don't really pay me that well." "I am a bad wife/husband, but my spouse is worse." "I am a rebellious child - it's just cool." Or I smoke too much, drink too much, indulge in illegal drugs; eat too much, or I look at pornography too much, all while saying, "Hey, nobody's perfect!" Then continuing on our merry way, while rationalizing our own behavior. Somewhow believing that we are more "good" than another person that we know who REALLY needs Jesus. "At least I don't do that!" "That," being whatever it is that makes you feel less sinful.
God is always after more from us. Think about the rich young ruler that kept the commandments (when a lot of us haven't), yet Jesus asked Him to sell everything that he had and follow him. (Luke 18:18-23)
Matthew 5:48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
To use a Sarah Palin lead in, "here's a little news flash," you're not good, and you can't be good enough for God. You'll be judged on what you did, not on what someone did or didn't do to/for you. In your own mind maybe you've elevated yourself above Hitler, Manson and a slew of politicians. You might even think you are close to Mother Theresa - and you may be - but even she needed a savior - and so do you and I.
Most folks find sin without major consequences attached, is hard to overcome. Repentance is a lot easier when you are upside down in a ditch, wondering if OnStar called for help, or when the cell door slams closed behind you.
The notion that we can just be who we are, and stay that way because of grace is wrong. That is the core of hypocrisy; believing that we can fail, and because of grace it doesn't matter. God is a holy God - it does matter.
Sure, there are big hypocrites like those that tried to cover up the Clergy Sex Scandals, the PTL Club and Ted Haggard. I honestly don't feel those are the biggest PR problems that the church is facing today. But I bet you know one that lives near by - one that says one thing and does another. Sure, they are everywhere - well, because no one is perfect.
James, however; encourages us to be doers of the word. More on that HERE - a blog I wrote for my friend Tony C Today.
Some days we are just too busy to think about eternity, and I fall into that category more often then I'd like to admit. The is why I like to read The Room, by Brian Moore. It's a very short essay that puts grace and sin into perspective while giving deep meaning into the word "salvation." I hope that you'll take a few more minutes to read it HERE.
The Bible says we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, what will they see from you today?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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All we can do is lead by example. Actions speak louder than words.
And for those that have the divine calling, it is better to follow Gods will.