The value of humanity.
“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” (Mark 2:17)
Do you ever fall into sin and think “Lord, I should be past this”? I know I do! It seems that no matter how long I go in my Bible app streak, how many consecutive Sundays I serve, or how often I share scripture on my feed…my humanity is always present. An initial reaction to the awareness of sin in your own heart is often shame, guilt, disappointment, and even grief. I believe God gives us the ability to feel these things so that we have the capacity to understand the consequences of wrong choices. We ought to be grieved when we grieve the heart of God. In fact, be very concerned when sin no longer breaks your heart! While we can feel these emotions and absolutely repent for the sin, God does not glory from our wallowing in shame and condemnation. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ!
Sin is traumatic. It makes us aware of how our very nature makes us far from God. Because we were created for a close relationship with God, sensing that separation is heartbreaking. But thank God for Jesus! The only perfect human, the only one to never sin. The one who came to save us from ourselves.
I wonder if we would appreciate a savior as much if we were not constantly falling short of the glory of God. Would we love God more if we got it all right or if He constantly loved us even when we get it wrong? What if our humanity, not our perfection, makes Him look even better? What if missing the mark is what showcases His “Savior” quality? Would He still look like a savior if I never got myself into some mess?
Prayer:
Lord, what if my addiction to appearing perfect is impeding your ability to REALLY get the glory? What if I finally embraced the process, and took the viewpoint that my imperfections and my good days both point not to me, but to Your goodness. Get the glory from the sum total of my life, Lord. Help me to develop discipline and do better, but also to worship you all the more for your love in spite of me.
