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To Err is Human... But That's Not an Excuse!

I am not perfect. Other Christians are not perfect. We make mistakes. We speak out of turn. We even (gasp) sin by gossiping, lying (even little white lies are still lies), and judging. I grew up in church and witnessed lots of spiritual people make mistakes. I saw Christians fall into sin. I even became ensnared by sin. That's because Christians are human. 

Unfortunately, people who don't spend a lot of time in church often use the excuse to stay out of church because Christians are hypocrites. Well, to be honest, I can understand that position. If my knowledge of Christianity were limited to hearing about all the things you should and should not do, I would be skeptical when I watch followers of Jesus fail. Here's the catch: I'm not perfect. Jesus is. 

He never sinned, nor deceived anyone. (I Peter 2:22)

The worst thing you can do is follow my lead! Or any other Christian, for that matter. The best thing I can do is point you to the One who lived a sinless life. If you depend on me, I will let you down. Not because I'm trying to. But I'm human. However, this human quality does not give me a free pass to sin whenever. This, too, is an unfortunate misconception among many Christians. 

The sad truth is that people who believe in God and go to church every Sunday think that this is enough to get them into Heaven. Don't get me wrong. Christians should go to church. But, we are also supposed to BE the Church. What's worse is those same people mistreat the world in their actions. Guess what, Church, if we claim to be Christians, people are watching us. What we do and what we say matters. 

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

The world is watching. Your family is watching. Your co-workers are watching. What will you do when you make a mistake? Will you own it, ask for forgiveness, and move on? Or will religion keep you from following Christ?

Prayer for Imperfect People (including me!)

Lord Jesus, I come to you today an imperfect human just trying to serve You. Forgive me when I fail. If I have misrepresented you in my actions and words, reveal these things to me and help me to be more like You. Thank you, Jesus, that my Christianity isn't based on my actions, but on my relationship with You. Help me to point others to You in what I say and do in Jesus' name. Amen.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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