What does it mean to be a Christian? How do I know I am a Christian? Often you'll hear it said when you ask someone if they are a Christian they will tell you they are trying really hard. Or they are doing their best to be better. It hurts the soul to hear these answers because we know there isn't anything we can do or any way we can just try hard enough to be better. Though five years ago I would have likely given the same answer. Motherhood, or should I say God through motherhood has been constantly reminding me I am not enough, nor will I ever be enough. We share with those around us and often are told 'oh but you are enough' 'you are a great mom, wife and person, just keep trying'. It's almost exhausting to hear, even though it was always said with good intent. You see if we can somehow attain it on our own, then no one ever has. No one has ever been 'a good person' on this earth except Jesus.
'None is righteous, no not one, no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one'
Romans 3:10-12
It is much more refreshing to be told 'no, honey, you aren't enough, but God is, and you have to only rest in Him.' I have been learning I will never be a good mom, wife or person on my own strength. But it is rather a constant asking God to continue sanctifying me and mold me into the image of His son.
The shame we feel in our sinful moments, are a way we can see our desire to honour God. The reaction we have to sin in our lives reveals a new heart. As a believer in Christ we are sickened by our own ugly character and tendencies, therefore, ashamed we repent to our Lord of it and He forgives in His Mighty Grace.
'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.'
Romans 8:1-2
His death was enough. If we continue to hold on to our sin, or continue to replay that hurt look on our child's face after we lost our patience and hurt their feelings, we aren't simply struggling to forgive ourelves we are struggling to believe Jesus's death was enough. But it was. What we can do is meditate on His word, and pray for STRENGTH to be more patient the next day. But not only so we feel like a better mom, but so we are truly Glorifying the Lord. That must constanly be our focus for everything we do.
Our desire is to PLEASE the one who first loved us and pursued us. Our life goal becomes to Glorify Him with the life He's given us and know it isn't our own to waste and do with as we wish, but to bring Him Honour. When you are a Christian you understand there isn't one good person on this planet, but you know that as one of His chosen children He is making you Holy. He is making you more like His Son for His Glory. What a blessing to be among the children of GOD who get to serve a Mighty and Incredible Saviour.
I know I linked this sermon recently, but it just fits and you really can't hear it to many times!
Let it play while you fold some laundry or wash your floors and it will likely do some convicting as it does me every time I hear it!