I may be the queen of reverting back to my old ways.
I wonder, will I ever go a day without completely messing something up? Or saying words I shouldn’t? Or doing what I know better not to do?
Perfection for me is doubtful this side of eternity.
Take for example earlier this week. My husband and I were at our nieces’ softball game. The first base umpire made an incorrect call by calling our player out when she clearly beat the ball to the base. The already-agitated crowd erupted. One side cheered in agreement. Our side protested in disapproval. I found myself in familiar game-induced excitement, and because so, I reacted by joining our side, standing up, pointing my finger, and yelling loudly, “She was safe! That’s a terrible call!”
I continued with our crowd, voicing loudly a few more disapproving thoughts. But, something made me look at my husband next to me. He was calmly still in his seat. Disapproving, but doing it quieter. Unlike his (supposedly) loving, Christian wife. Yeah, nice huh? I was convicted and sat down.
If you’ve read my posts for any period of time or if you know me well, you’re probably well aware this isn’t the first time I’ve gotten caught up in the moment during my son’s/daughter’s/nieces’/nephews’ sporting events. Seriously. It’s ridiculous. And, I know better.
I’m living proof that Christians are not perfect.
Even though I read my Bible and I pray. Even though I love God and love people. Yes, even as I try to do good daily and follow Jesus. I continue to mess up. I continue to revert back to my old ways. It’s no secret I’m still a work in progress and God has His hands full when it comes to me.
This reminds me of what the apostle Paul wrote about himself in Romans:
I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. Romans 18-20 MSG
Yes, Paul. I’m right there with you. I want to do good, but I don’t really do it. Anyone else in this boat with Paul and me? Do you find yourself reverting back to old habits, prior behavior, former ways? It’s frustrating and exasperating and discouraging, isn’t it?
So, what hope do we have?
Will it always be this way, no matter what we do and how hard we try? The only answer I have are Paul’s words. He continues in verses 24 and 25 (MSG):
I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
My only hope in conquering my old ways is Jesus.
No, I probably won’t ever see perfection this side of eternity, but Jesus continues to work in me through situations like this one. I’m grateful He used my husband’s calm example to save me from making a complete spectacle of myself. Maybe next time my old ways won’t get the best of me? Only by the grace of God.
So, be encouraged, friend. Thankfully, there is hope for us who revert back to our old ways. No matter how many times we mess up, we can take comfort in knowing we’re not alone in this battle. Daily, may we give ourselves over to Jesus and ask Him to change us, to mold us, to help us be the men and women He desires for us to be.
Thank you for continuing to journey through life with this not-so-perfect Iowa girl.
Blessings,
Julie
Linking this post with friend Suzie.
Usually, I only make to midmorning…BUT, I so,so love my mornings!
Ditto, my friend!
Thank Goodness for grace. I’d be sunk if it were up to me! Thank you for this good reminder today, Julie!
You and me both, Lisa!
Unfortunately, Julie, you are not alone. Been there, done that. I remember asking my children, “how many times do I have to tell you . .
.?” Jesus can ask that same question of me! When I go to Jesus and confess – for example – losing my temper, He tells me, “I forgive you. Go and do not lose your temper again.” How many times should we forgive when someone asks for it? 70 x 7 is what Scripture tells us. So God already knows we won’t get it right the first time or maybe even the 70th time. But we just keep on trying!
What hope we have in Jesus, who continues to mold us, teach us, and grow us. Do glad we don’t have to try to do it on our own!
I love this and I needed to hear this. Good ole Paul always knows just what to do say so we do not feel like we are in this thing alone. Thanks Julie!
So glad we aren’t in this alone! Thanks for stopping in!
Oh Julie, this “Do, Do” verse gets me every time! I relate to each word you’ve written here! Thanks for your honesty and encouragement! Cindy
It gets me too! Praying for us all in it. Thanks for stopping in and sharing, friend!
I’m wondering if I will be with God when I die. It seems to me I’m messing up pretty much and I read how I’m be an encourage, lead others to Jesus, be a tree bearing good fruit and many other verse as how I’m to be living for God. My husband believes but doesn’t live it and my two adults son who live with us don’t live the Bible either, I know my walk is suppose to be with God but it is not easy living with others who are worldly. So I’m a little afraid if I died would I make it to heaven. I’m having a hard time praying and reading the Bible like I should. I do love God and i was saved. But not sure what happened and why I feel such a distance between God and me. I pray and read, not consistently but don’t feel peace.
Shirley, thank you stopping in and sharing in this post. If I may encourage you, once we are saved in Jesus, we are secure. No matter what we do or don’t do, we can’t lose our salvation. Those aren’t my words, but God’s. There have been times in my life, too, where I’ve felt distance between God and me. It’s then I’ve sat down with my Bible and looked up verses about God’s love for me. I read them and prayed them and wrote them down. It helped me to be reminded how much God loves me. I asked God to help me feel His peace again, and I trusted it was there, even if I didn’t feel it. God hasn’t left you. He’s still with you. It is hard to live with others who don’t believe, but God may just have you to be the one shining His light into their lives. I am praying for you today. Thank you.