Growing a Life of Faith

Something that I'm just learning in my life of faith is how vital repentance is. That seems pretty basic right? I'm not sure how I missed that. But somehow, I've had the idea that I should strive to be perfect and a "good" Christian. Of course, that's foolish because in my own selfish nature I can never be either of those things.

I'm reading another great book by Philip Yancey called Rumors of Another World. This rang so true to me,

“In childhood I thought of each of my sins as a brick filling in a space that walled me off from God. My guilt feelings blinded me to the truth that I was busily constructing a wall God had already destroyed. I now believe that God accompanies me at each stage of my struggle, present with me even as I flee from him. At that moments I am most aware of my own inadequacy; at that moment I am probably closest to God.” Page 156-157

It’s crazy to me how many church people have odd ideas on how to help your children grow spiritually. Well, you take them to Sunday School and have them baptized. And help them learn how to keep most of the ten commandments. I mean really, who can keep them all? We want them to be “good” but not necessarily Godly. Because when they are good, we look good. No tantrums in church, no talking back, but at the heart, they are still sinners. We’re born sinners and the only way they’ll be good is through God’s gift of salvation.

The biggest thing God is showing me is to help them recognize and not run from their weaknesses. I learned quickly in church to be “good” and never let anyone know things weren’t perfect. It’s a slow process to get over that as an adult. So I want my kids to Learn the act of confession and restoration with God. I want them to avoid the pitfall of trying to pretend they aren't sinners by coming to Christ for the forgiveness that he desires to give us all.

Because when we are weak, He is strong. When we are weak, we are closest to Him. Our weakness drives us to the foot of the cross, drives us into His loving arms.

Psalm 51: 1-4
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.