In the previous devotional I explained how pursuing “the way of the righteous” as articulated in Psalm 1 is about a direction, not perfection. Some of you will have wondered, but what about Matthew 5:48? “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Ah yes, that statement by Jesus has really been a source … Continue reading Doesn’t God expect us to be perfect?
perfection
You don’t have to be Jesus
Jesus summoned Peter to follow him even though he was imperfect. One of the reasons we relate to Peter so well is because he messes up—just like us! Peter is a reminder that we follow Jesus faithfully, not perfectly. In Luke 5 Jesus told Peter to throw out his nets for a catch of fish. … Continue reading You don’t have to be Jesus
Imperfect
After his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers the great commission: to make disciples of all people (see Matthew 28:18-20). But just before he did that, we’re told something very telling: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Some worshiped Jesus—but some doubted! But he tells the group to make disciples … Continue reading Imperfect
Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
[Scroll down for today’s announcement.] Yesterday I said that Christians don’t “have it all together.” Instead, they have it all, together. (If you missed it you can check it out here.) I also said that the placement of that comma makes all the difference in the world. Here’s what I mean. Contrary to what some … Continue reading Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
Are we supposed to have it all together?
Are followers of Jesus supposed to “have it all together”? Good question! After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -Some Christians do in fact think they have it all together. They drip with religious condescension. -Some people know that they definitely don’t have it all together… … Continue reading Are we supposed to have it all together?
How perfect or spiritually mature everyone is
A lot of people think the church is based on how perfect or spiritually mature everyone is. If you think that way, you’re always going to be disappointed in God’s church. Why? Because people continually fall short of what you think the appropriate moral standard is. Should we have standards? Of course! But keep this … Continue reading How perfect or spiritually mature everyone is
Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
When I was young I dreamed about the perfect day. Pancakes in the morning, no school, road hockey all day… Such is the imagination of a 7-year old boy. When we grow up we still dream about what a perfect day might be like. But, of course, it rarely happens. Yet that doesn’t stop us … Continue reading Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
