So Thankful
I am so thankful that through the work Jesus did on the cross for us, we have new lives. "New lives?" you ask - looks like the same ole' same ole' to me day after day... I'm not necessarily talking about the outward life - although that is new if we will let it be new - but inside, in our hearts, we're new! No matter what we've done in our lives, because of the blood of Jesus applied to our hearts, it is as if we never did them! When we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and ask Him to wash away our sins by His blood, we take on the righteousness of Christ - when God looks at us, He sees His Son!! He no longer sees Diane the selfish, controlling, manipulative, cruel, critical sinner - He sees Diane the righteous! Do I feel righteous? Do I act righteous? Do I do righteous things? Of course not - not all the time. But isn't that the point? Darrel and I were discussing this last night - how so many people feel that they attain heaven by being saved and then keeping themselves holy before God - what a paradox! We can never "keep ourselves holy before God"! Our righteousness (our way of being and doing right) is like filthy rags to Him. But when we accept His righteousness in place of ours and realize that it is Jesus Who does the work in us and through us, we are holy and blameless in His sight. It is so hard for us to understand that. We like to think that we are in control of eternity - that somehow it has something to do with us, when in reality it is all about Jesus.
Now let's think about not only how we see ourselves, but how we see others. When we truly grasp what Jesus has done for us, we should be able to grasp the fact that He has done it for others, too. The psalmist David says that the mercies of God are new every morning. That means that we can never run out of mercy and grace for our lives - our awesome God has an abundance enough to last for eternity! When we realize this fact, how can we do less than offer this same mercy to others? Just like God does not see our sin, when another person has accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for their sins they take on the righteousness of Christ as well - they are no longer the person they used to be. Have their actions changed? Have their feelings about themselves changed? Have their behaviors changed? Not necessarily - it takes time just like it takes time for us. But do not be fooled - He Who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it in us! Darrel forever reminds me when I feel it is necessary to execute judgement on someone to think of how I would like to be treated if I was in their situation. So often we want to use an unbearably high measuring stick for others while using one about 2 inches tall for ourselves. Let's get real about extending mercy and grace to others in our lives. First realize that it is extended to you through Jesus Christ. Then put down the selfishness that drives you to make others pay, and adopt that same attitude that Jesus Christ had when He poured out His life for us. I love you all and pray that together we become mature, fully-devoted bond servants of Jesus Christ!
posted by Diane @ 9:39 AM
8 Comments:
I love this! It reminds me of a story I read recently in Chris Tomlin's book. He was sharing about an evangelist friend of his that was holding a meeting in a small Texas town. This man went into a small diner his last day there and ordered lunch. The waitress was tired and he began conversing with her. She shared that she just wanted to go to break and smoke a cigarette. He asked her what she smoked and she said whatever is the cheapest. The man went and bought her the most expensive cigarettes he could find and brought them back to her and told her that Christ loved her. She told him that she wished he was a pastor in town b/c she would like to go to a church like that. How scandalous that he would contribute to her sin (that is the pharisee)! How scandalous that Christ loves us even while we are yet sinners (that is freedom)!
If we love instead of judging we leave room for the Holy Spirit to draw all men. When we judge we beat all men down.
Thanks for the reminder!
love you bunches,
d
Your first line sums up your error in perception perfectly. You, like many Christian-types, seem to feel that the work that Jesus "did on the cross" -- was more important then his teachings throughout his life.
You're so obsessed with him dying, that you fail to recognize that his death was inconsequential, as was the myth of his ressurection.
It was his words, and his words alone that offered a brand new, powerful way in which to live our lives.
I find it sad that most Christians are so act-obsessed.
I love this, Diane. I love the work of Christ for me! Dying with him to my flesh, the world, the Evil One, raised with Him in righteousness and new life, and seated with Him in his authority!
I love this, Diane. I love the work of Christ for me! Dying with him to my flesh, the world, the Evil One, raised with Him in righteousness and new life, and seated with Him in his authority!
I love this, Diane. I love the work of Christ for me! Dying with him to my flesh, the world, the Evil One, raised with Him in righteousness and new life, and seated with Him in his authority!
LOL. Good one Brian. You so funny. God I love ya, kid.
Well, at least you're getting the important thing here - that we all love each other. LOL
Yes. Thank you ever so much for teaching me about the value of love. It makes the world go 'round, you know.
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