Christians Are Not Perfect
Psalm 103
I read about an ad: “Reward: Lost dog. Three legs, blind in left eye, right ear missing, tail broken, recently neutered. Answers to the name: ‘Lucky.’” That pretty much describes my week. “Lucky.” Sigh!
Stephen Pile, wrote, “The Book of Failures.” The prologue begins: “Success is overrated.” Then he documents the worst failures of all time. Arthur Pedrick patented 162 inventions. None were used. Among his greatest hits: A bicycle with amphibious capability. An arrangement where a car could be driven from the back seat. A golf ball that could be steered in flight. I am not making this up.
So, how do your failures compare? All of us have failed and all of us have at times failed spectacularly but I doubt any of us made “The Book of Failures.”
I saw a bumper sticker: Christians are not perfect… just forgiven. That phrase assures me that my primary purpose is to do my best and trust God. God honors effort as much as perfection, attitude as much as results. We all live in the shadow of failure and discouragement at one time or another. What worked in the past seems doomed today. It is so easy to become discouraged.
More than ever, we need encouragement from God. Psalm 103 was written by David during his later years when he could look back on his life. If anyone needed forgiveness it was David. On the other hand, David passionately loved and served God. David’s life is a study in contrasts and that is the point.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. (Psalm 103:8-11)
God is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse or punish. His unfailing love is as high as the heavens. God is tender and compassionate. He knows we are weak. He knows there will be difficult years but all of that will fade like dust or grass or wildflowers, quickly gone. But the love, the awesome love of God remains forever.
As Christians, we are not perfect. But we are absolutely, completely and totally forgiven. What an impressive promise from an awesome God.
Prayer Challenge: Take a few minutes to appreciate being forgiven by God.