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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRIAL (05/10/18)
I have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Big time.

Right? Right. I know that. And yet too often I find myself practically dislocating my shoulder in an effort to bestow myself a pat on the back for “being a good person.”

I’m a sinner. I fail and fall short. I do good deeds in the name of the Lord. I grow and learn in the Spirit. I fall again. I get up and try once more. I realize it’s not so much about me trying as knowing the Lord. Then I forget again and unconsciously build myself up on the ruins of others’ more obvious moral failures.

I have been neglecting time in the Word lately. But at least I am not out shooting up public places.

I have been impatient with my family, but at least I don’t abuse my children.

I have thought unkind thoughts toward someone who cuts me off in traffic, but at least I don’t cuss them out.

Yes, granted, Jesus stated that some sins are greater than others (John 19:11). But he also told a fine, upstanding young man that he still lacked one thing (Matt. 19:21).

As a human, I so desperately want to justify myself, build myself up, exonerate myself. When put on trial for my own sins, I frantically point every available finger at others. I get purple in the face and stutter, “But what about him?”

What a wonderful freedom, what a serenity, can be found in just admitting the ugly truth – I AM A SINNER. Period. Echoing the publican, who simply said, “God, please be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)

When I stand before God, it will be him and I. There will be no one with whom to compare myself, on whom to build myself up. My sin will be glaring, obvious, grotesque (despite whether or not it seemed so in life). My only recourse will be the blood of Jesus through the grace of God. And what a recourse!

God, please help me to understand this truth right now, here on Earth, before I find myself standing before you in eternity – I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness. I need your mercy. I do not deserve it. Help me to understand this in the core of my being, and to look to you as my only salvation. Please change me through the work of your Spirit and bring me into a closer communion with you. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Linda Lawrence 
05/19/18
I think this is a powerful devotional. Well written.
Christian Belyea
05/19/18
This piece gets a plethora of passes. You tell it just like it is, my friend. And you write as if we were talking face to face. And that is the mark of a really fine writer. Yes, you clicked your keyboard about Christ and sin and judgment day and came up with a compelling composition on what wretches we can sometimes be, and how gracious our God truly is. In short, you kept it real... Bang up job, my friend! Keep up the great work...
Jude Harris 
05/25/18
Well written. Easy to relate to.
Dianne Janak
05/27/18
You nailed it for all of us! Truth told without apology or blame or pity party! I loved this straight to the point truth that brings glory to His Kingdom... !