This first post of 2016 seems to have a New Year’s resolution flavor. Again, I’m trying to be perfect. I know that’s silly, but we keep trying.
I was brought up not only to try do my best, but that I could and should. Fortunately, however, I was also raised knowing how very human I was, not just me, but everyone. I need to remember this, for I can be hard on myself, comparing what I think, say and do with the ‘perfect’ people I know, who then become my models. Yes, they are worthy role-models, but what about Jesus?
Jesus tells us, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” Matt. 5:48--in summary, love everyone as God loves everyone. Not easy nor possible, but we have to keep trying. The Gospels tell us that even Jesus had to learn this in very human ways. At times he was angry and judgmental, and then he went off alone to pray. I wonder what that prayer time was like? Probably similar to ours—thanksgiving, gratitude, confession, intercession, ranting, raving, pleading…. Jesus knew the Psalms, with their joys, angst.
So when I get hard on myself, I talk honestly with Jesus. He’s been there. He gets it.
I was brought up not only to try do my best, but that I could and should. Fortunately, however, I was also raised knowing how very human I was, not just me, but everyone. I need to remember this, for I can be hard on myself, comparing what I think, say and do with the ‘perfect’ people I know, who then become my models. Yes, they are worthy role-models, but what about Jesus?
Jesus tells us, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” Matt. 5:48--in summary, love everyone as God loves everyone. Not easy nor possible, but we have to keep trying. The Gospels tell us that even Jesus had to learn this in very human ways. At times he was angry and judgmental, and then he went off alone to pray. I wonder what that prayer time was like? Probably similar to ours—thanksgiving, gratitude, confession, intercession, ranting, raving, pleading…. Jesus knew the Psalms, with their joys, angst.
So when I get hard on myself, I talk honestly with Jesus. He’s been there. He gets it.
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