Too Short (Part 1)

"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." ~ Romans 3:23-24

While we are to strive to be like Jesus, who was perfect, it's important that we balance and temper that striving with a recognition that we are not and will never be perfect.

We are called to be like Jesus, not to be Him.

The fact is, we will never measure up, no matter how hard we try.

And while we are called to give grace to others because of this, even more importantly, we should extend that same grace to ourselves - however imperfect, messed up, and weak we might be.

God wants you to strive to be like Jesus, but understand that you'll never measure up.

More to come!

God bless,

J.W.

People Pleasing (Part 3)

"The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.' Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than human beings!'" ~ Acts 5:27-29

Sometimes, people will want you to do something that God has not called you to do.

This scripture shows us that it's okay to say no. Our ultimate mission should be to please God, not man.

People will undoubtedly have expectations of you - expectations of you as a friend, significant other, son or daughter, etc.

But you are NOT beholden to that expectations. You are to be held to God's standards and expectations, and to His alone. Not theirs.

The question is, are you familiar enough with His standards and expectations to know the difference between His expectations and other people's.

The key is knowing the difference and applying it in your life.

God bless,
J.W.

People Pleasing (Part 2)

Originally published on 1/12/11

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~ Galatians 1:10 NIV

People-pleasing is a dangerous thing. It's a tiring experience. It often leads to stress and burnout in well-intentioned people. But even more than that, it's against God's will.

In Galatians 1, the Bible clearly makes the distinction between pleasing God and pleasing men. It suggests that it is impossible to achieve both. The choices we make on a daily basis may indirectly affect both, but our choices are always rooted in either one or the other. Fundamentally, we either act to please God or to please man.

Throughout your life, people will consistently tell you how to live it. But who would you rather take advice from - a perfect God or imperfect man?

God bless,
J.W.