Nothing makes me forget who I am in Christ faster than traffic, poor customer service and politics. You know what I mean if you’ve driven from north Atlanta to south Atlanta on a Friday afternoon or been behind a few drivers in Knoxville on a rainy day or missing an item from a drive-thru order. I find myself muttering irritable comments and a few other things about the driver in front of me while listening to my favorite Christian CD. And don’t get me started on politics.
What, you say? Aren’t Christians above this behavior? If I’m being honest with you, the reply is “no”; but I don’t have a free ticket to behave recklessly whenever I want either. Realistically, it’s a lot easier to point out another person’s faults than to focus on my own. Like most people, helping others find the way takes the burden of change off me.
Every day is a struggle to match what scripture says to what I’m supposed to do. What about letting the Spirit do it for you? I know He is with me. I know what God’s Word says but in moments of high intensity, it’s hard to remember He’s there. It’s so much easier to react and satisfy self in the moment. Dealing with guilt comes painfully later. All I know is that I must be renewed daily. Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 4:16.
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. (NASB)
I have to remember this when I’m choosing business partners or listening to a renowned author or pastor. They are human, too. Their experiences may be extensive but in Christ we are all saved equally. For all the “mature” Christians who believe they have the lock on living and walking the walk, you really don’t. And if you think that, then you’re not being honest with yourself. If it was just a matter of maturity, why did Christ have to die?
I can say with certainty I get up every day renewed and refreshed in the knowledge what is behind me is forgiven. But I’m wiser, more experienced, and certain the next lesson is coming.