In our society today, we spend way too much time trying to “keep up with the Jones.'” Individuality may be praised and admired, but for the most part, we want “to fit in.” Seeing someone else with a new car suddenly makes us look at our trusty ole’ vehicle with disdain. They got a new car, why shouldn’t we? We are constantly being told that we deserve the best because “we’re worth it.” After all, we’re better than “so and so.” I’ve talked to erring Christians who say, “Well, I may be on the river on Sunday mornings, but I’m better than “so and so” who’s sitting in the pew every Sunday.” Should that be our goal – to be better than someone else?
Friends, we must be careful not to use other humans as the standard of perfection. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Only Jesus lived a sinless life in this world for Paul told the church in Corinth, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (II Corinthians 5:21). He is the One that we should emulate. “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
My goal is not to be better than anyone else. I just want to be better now than I used to be. If I am following closer “in His steps” ( I Peter 2:21), then that means that I am growing as a Christian. I am learning from my mistakes. I am studying His Word as the Bereans in Acts 17:11 – “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” I am, as the Hebrew writer said, “Laying aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Are you a “satisfied Christian?” Is it becoming easier to make choices that are pleasing unto God because we are “growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?” (II Peter 3:18) If not, what do you need to do? Think about it. Simply blessed, Courtney
Thank you, Courtney. This is really a timely post. I have grown very weary in this time of COVID-19 with fellow Christians pronouncing themselves “good” because they choose to gather in a building rather than gather around a device to sing and pray and hear the same message.
It is not a debate on whether or not it is wise to gather in person, it is the criticism between brothers and sisters in Christ on this topic.
The Lord knows our hearts – isn’t that wonderful!
Agree