Today I’d like to ask you this: If you’re going through something really tough, have you talked to someone about it? Talking to someone about your situation can be hard. It can be difficult to verbalize your feelings. Or maybe you doubt if it will do any good. But one of the reasons I think … Continue reading Pretending to be perfect
perfectionism
Don’t pretend to be perfect
Okay, let’s be honest. Some people who believe in Christ can fall into a trap: Pretending to be perfect. You’re right: It’s not always true! But it’s sometimes true, isn’t it? Speaking to the believers in Corinth, Paul said, “we are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). And who doesn’t want to be a good … Continue reading Don’t pretend to be perfect
Faith is more important than flaws
Yup, you're imperfect. But when you think about serving God, do you consider your flaws statements of honesty, or excuses? Read on.
Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
A pastor I respect, John Ortberg, said that “perfection is the great enemy of spiritual growth.” I like that because it makes clear the fact that if you try (or pretend) to be perfect it actually undermines your spiritual growth. What I think he’s getting at is that none of us are perfect. But if … Continue reading Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
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?
Are you (dis)qualified?
2 Samuel 11: 26,27 “When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband... But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." (NJKV) Today's Thought “I’m just too messed up to be a part of something significant.” “I’ll serve after I get my life together.” “I’m … Continue reading Are you (dis)qualified?
Be… perfect?
Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Today's Thought As strange as it may sound, you can’t be godly and perfect at the same time. To a certain degree, what I just said doesn’t make sense. After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus invites his hearers to “Be perfect… as your … Continue reading Be… perfect?
The Up Devotional 