Transparency: Knowing & Doing
I don’t have it all together. Surprise? No.
As most of you know, I like to be transparent on this blog. One thing I’m struggling with as a believer is the whole knowing and doing aspect. You see, I grew up in a Christian home and I don’t take that for granted and I am super thankful for wonderful, godly parents.
Where I struggle is, growing up in a Christian home, then ending up going through Bible college, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about God and His word. I don’t say that to be arrogant, but it’s been my life. When trials, temptations and other curve balls in life are thrown my way I know how I should respond, however I don’t always respond that way.
For instance:
-I know when someone wrongs me, I should forgive them and show them grace, but sometimes I don’t.
-I know when I cross the line when I’m hanging out with the guys, but I continue in on the topic.
-I know when I listen to gossip, I should turn away and not listen, but I end up “all ears”.
The easy answer is, “I’m human” and continue on with life. But that’s not good enough for me any more. I’m not trying to become fundamental or all about the rules, but these things tear me away from the One who has given me grace, the One who has forgiven me, the One who knows when to stop (or not even start for that matter).
I don’t have an answer. I don’t really have a clue on how to start. I just hope this resonates with some people and we can all grow closer to HIM together.
Chris, great post and I’m right there with you on this. I know that I often don’t always respond in obedience to His calling on our lives, nor do I always live in light of the gospel when interacting with others. One of the things I’ve found, and actually posted on recently (see Gospel Diagnostics), is that when I’m not living out the gospel, it’s probably because there’s either something about the gospel or the character of God that I’m not believing to be true. So, I like to run a check every once in a while and dig into the roots of my sin to see where I’m not truly trusting God and what I’ve replaced Him with.
That being said, praise God for His mercy on us! That He continues to work in our lives to make us look more like Him through the Word, the Holy Spirit, and godly counsel from those who are on the journey with us. Thanks for the post Chris, keep it up!
Actually, if you click my name on the comment it’s linked to an old blog…here’s the address to my new one: http://greatcommissionccc.wordpress.com
- Mike Kroll
Thanks for your post and your words, Mike! Very much appreciated!