Samantha Rinne
Resident Genderfluid Writer/Artist
I guess it goes here? Feel free to move it.
Why do so many non-Christians expect Christians to be perfect? They themselves aren't perfect, or they're lying to themselves. And why do so many Christians get sucked into this mindset?
Yes, yes, Matthew 5:48. But read the cross-references.
Leviticus says instead, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." Holy does not mean perfect. Holy is close to the word "whole" from which we get "holistic." It is perfect in the sense that it has all the strengths and flaws, it's the real thing, not perfect as in measuring up to an impossible standard of good.
In fact, people quick to tell us that God is "all-good" will be surprised to discover this passage from Isaiah 45:7.
Wait, what?!? God, and not the devil gives us disaster? God creates darkness?
God Uses Flawed People To Share Hope To A Flawed World |
The gravest sin is not whatever you've got in your head that you're blaming yourself for. The gravest sin is your own trying to be so perfect. Because, well not only is "If you say you have no sin, you deceive yourself" the case, but those who try really hard not to sin often wind up like the Pharisees, "I thank God that I am not like THOSE PEOPLE, those sinners over there."
Repeat after me:
Why do so many non-Christians expect Christians to be perfect? They themselves aren't perfect, or they're lying to themselves. And why do so many Christians get sucked into this mindset?
Yes, yes, Matthew 5:48. But read the cross-references.
Leviticus says instead, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." Holy does not mean perfect. Holy is close to the word "whole" from which we get "holistic." It is perfect in the sense that it has all the strengths and flaws, it's the real thing, not perfect as in measuring up to an impossible standard of good.
In fact, people quick to tell us that God is "all-good" will be surprised to discover this passage from Isaiah 45:7.
I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.
Wait, what?!? God, and not the devil gives us disaster? God creates darkness?
God Uses Flawed People To Share Hope To A Flawed World |
Here are some examples of people that were used for the greatness of HIS glory.
- Abraham -Was old.
- Elijah – Was suicidal.
- Joseph – Was abused.
- Job – Went bankrupt.
- Moses – Had a speech problem.
- Gideon – Was afraid.
- Samson – Was a womanizer.
- Rahab – Was a prostitute.
- Samaritan Woman – Divorced.
- Noah – Was a Drunk.
- Jeremiah – Was young.
- Jacob – Was a cheater.
- David – Was a murderer.
- Jonah – Ran from God.
- Naomi – Was a widow.
- Peter – Denied Christ three times
- Martha – Worried about everything.
- Zacchaeus – Was small and money hungry.
- The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying.
- Paul – A Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming one.
The gravest sin is not whatever you've got in your head that you're blaming yourself for. The gravest sin is your own trying to be so perfect. Because, well not only is "If you say you have no sin, you deceive yourself" the case, but those who try really hard not to sin often wind up like the Pharisees, "I thank God that I am not like THOSE PEOPLE, those sinners over there."
Repeat after me:
- I am not perfect. I am flawed.
- Jesus loves my flaws though I do not understand why. He will forgive me.
- Jesus may even use my flaws.
- I will do my best to help others as I see it.
- And I will let go of how other people say is the "right way" to live or be a Christian.