I often find myself reflecting deeply on the state of our society and the various dynamics within the church. It’s essential to consider the vastness of our world today. If Jesus has called us the light of the world, then we must earnestly ask ourselves—why does it appear so dark?
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This contemplation brings me back to my childhood. I recall a vivid moment from when I was about twelve years old, waiting at the bus stop with a friend named Darren Anderson. He began sharing stories of choices he made that clearly strayed from moral integrity. Even at that young age, I recognized them as wrong. I asked him, "Darren, how can you do those things and still call yourself a Christian?" His response was dishearteningly simple: “God will forgive me.”
This contemplation brings me back to my childhood. I recall a vivid moment from when I was about twelve years old, waiting at the bus stop with a friend named Darren Anderson. He began sharing stories of choices he made that clearly strayed from moral integrity. Even at that young age, I recognized them as wrong. I asked him, "Darren, how can you do those things and still call yourself a Christian?" His response was dishearteningly simple: “God will forgive me.”
In that moment, even with my limited understanding, I sensed something was amiss. I thought, “That can’t be how it works.”
Many of us may remember those Christian bumper stickers from the 80s—“Not perfect, just forgiven.” While this statement holds a measure of truth, it can sometimes become a convenient escape, a way to excuse behavior that falls short of our calling. We might say, “I may not be perfect, but I’m forgiven” as we overlook the harmful choices we make, whether it's dishonesty in our financial dealings, infidelity, or unkindness to ourselves and others. It’s almost as if we’re slapping a bumper sticker over our transgressions, and I can't help but wonder if God looks down and gently prompts us, “Could you at least try?”
The Apostle Paul, in the book of Ephesians, writes extensively to the early church about this very issue. He dedicates the first three chapters to the truth that we are not saved by our good deeds. He emphasizes this in Ephesians 2:8, reminding the believers, “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” This grace is a free gift—one we cannot earn or deserve, and it is not a reward for our good actions. This means there’s no room for boasting in our own righteousness.
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Let us strive to grasp this message fully. Embracing grace should lead us to a life that reflects the love and character of Christ rather than using it as a justification for our shortcomings. As we seek to live out our faith in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ, may we take up the challenge to not just accept forgiveness but to continuously strive for transformation.
Let us strive to grasp this message fully. Embracing grace should lead us to a life that reflects the love and character of Christ rather than using it as a justification for our shortcomings. As we seek to live out our faith in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ, may we take up the challenge to not just accept forgiveness but to continuously strive for transformation.
Awaken Church
7620 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone (858) 300-2581
Website https://awakenchurch.com/
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