Sunday, November 17, 2013

I am Human



I am human.
 I easily mess up. 
I am tempted, and I fall.
 I get angry and lash out.
I have self-esteem issues.
I am selfish.
I am inpatient.
I lust.
I lie.
I cheat.
I steal.
I’ve made idols of my life.
I have starved myself.
I have looked at porn.
I wear shorts, dresses above my knees, and tank tops.
I pass by that person in need on the street.
I yell.
I stress.
I am fearful of life.
I want to be at the top.
I feel I am worthless.
I question choices.
I have judged.
I’ve tried to bring others down.
I want to be loved.
I am human.
So what makes me any different than the person sitting next to me at school?  My coworkers?  One word.  Grace.  I believe that Jesus took my sins and died on the cross for me.  I believe that He was buried, and on the third day He rose from the grave conquering death!  I believe that because of what was done on the cross, I am clothed in righteousness, not because of what I have done, but because of what Jesus has done.  I am a sinner.  All I deserve is hell, but God has given me everything but hell. 
I’m not going to sit and judge you.  I’m not going to tell you that you are going to hell for your choices.  I’m only going to tell you one thing.  God loves you, and died for you, so that He doesn’t have to be separated from you forever!  That’s it.  All you have to do is accept that, and you are saved.  It’s not about what you do or don’t do.  You cannot earn your way to Heaven.  Sure, we are asked to strive to be like Christ, but we cannot get there on earth.  Don’t let someone else bring you down because they believe in grace and works.  That is religion, and what God has called for you is a relationship.
I have a list of wrongs even as a Christian.  I have broken every single one of the Ten Commandments at least in my heart.  I also have a list of things that others would consider sin (I have piercings, a tattoo, I don’t dress modestly according to some standards), but I refuse to let those things define me.  My identity is in Christ Jesus. 
When I say I am a Christian, I am confessing I cannot do it on my own.  That when I am outside of Christ, all I can do is fail.  I don’t judge you.  I don’t care what is in your past, because Jesus has willingly washed it white as snow if you confess, and anyone who has a relationship with Jesus outside of religion will agree with me.  It’s about love, not judging.