No one likes to face the idea that within him or herself lies no good. We pretend we are better than this one or that one based on our outward behavior but have we forgotten the Bible tells us that our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)? Why do we spend so much time and effort pointing to the sins of others when within our very hearts is enough sin to destroy us, are we not concerned for our own spiritual welfare? Would not the wiser course of action be to work on our own salvation as Paul told the Philippians (Php 2:12)? Those who fall and fall hard, though they are quickly labeled by society, have taken one step closer to true salvation. Why? Because if they are honest with themselves they know their best was not good enough and it was not because of a lack of effort. You see those who haven’t hit bottom still believe the lie, “I’ve just got to try harder, do better and everything will be alright.” What’s even sadder is that most get really good at keeping appearances up and even though they feel something is not right on the inside they chase their “acting career” until not only do people around them start to believe it but they do as well. This person is further from God’s salvation than the drug addict who has spent his last dime, who has lost his family, house, career, and now wears the scarlet letter on his chest for all to see. Can’t you see this person knows just how very desperate they are for a Savior! While the average “Christian” thinks he or she is doing their part by going to church each week and putting a twenty in the offering plate.
Many times have I seen “Christians”, even pastors and spiritual leaders have to fall before God and the people they have worked so hard to maintain their image with before true change could guide them to be the real person God meant for them to be, their failure acts as a doorway that only a few ever cross. All that stuff that was so important only served to distract and limit their ability to follow the unseen God. Do you think that God’s purpose is so small a human can twist and manipulate it to fit their life-style? Not the God I serve, the One True God of the Bible, my friends He is bigger than greatest minds of all time could ever imagine and His purpose for us goes beyond our social positioning so we can look good in front of others. If God could be manipulated would He be worthy of our praise, would following Him be of value to us?
So if our God, Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord Who Provides, Jehovah-Rapha – The Lord Who Heals, Jehovah-Nissi – The Lord Our Banner, if this God of Exodus is the God we serve and we see how He delivered Israel from Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, why do we doubt His ability to lead His people today? In this body we will fail, we will fall, we will hurt and be hurt, yet we act surprised when we see it happen and somehow we use the mistakes of others to promote self. Know this all who are short on vision for this is all that matters – that our failures turns our faces to the work Jesus Christ did on the cross, that we humble ourselves, relinquish our will for His, that we love God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength, and that we love others the way He loves us. Those who have been able to maintain your balancing act don’t forget the hidden hate in your heart is as murder and the lustful eye that looks when no one is watching is adultery, for you will be judged also and on that day not only will your community know your sin but all of mankind. To those who have fallen before others here and now make the most of it, now that others know you have failed let go of the pride that took you to this place, stand up, keep your eyes on Jesus, and begin to walk in the forgiveness that has been so freely given. For you are beginning a new journey free from the things that bound you so easily before. Don’t look back when people remind you of your failures but point to the work Jesus has done to set you free.
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