Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

“It’s so hard to see what you see in me / Would you lay it out for me?”

- “Best I Can” by Decyfer Down

 

            That’s the way I feel sometimes. “God, what on earth do You see in me that makes You want to love me the way you do?” You see, I know myself all too well, but so does God. Decyfer Down is a Christian Rock group. Their song “Best I Can” ministers to me because it acknowledges our sinfulness and our efforts to try to improve. God knows we are trying if we truly are and comes to our aid if necessary. Any struggles I have had have largely been my own doing. A bad decision here, poor judgment there and voilà, you have a big mess, hurts and all. I’m reminded of Paul’s poignant words in Romans 7:15-16a, 18b-20 and 24 … “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, … I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. … What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

           God provides the answer to Paul’s question in Jesus Christ. Yes, we are most definitely wretched men in our words, thoughts, and deeds. Not 100% of the time, but a lot of the time. We can do nothing to please God in and of ourselves. God knew this and sent the solution for our dilemma; His Son. Christ’s death frees us from our sin; we need to embrace that fact and allow it to transform us so that we are a little less wretched each day. You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t think I’m wretched.” Really? Who are you comparing yourself to? If it’s anyone besides God then you are making an incorrect comparison. The Lord is the gold standard. Comparing ourselves to God is the only far, honest comparison that will shine a light on us, showing us how wretched we truly are. Having said that we need to remember, it’s not all about us; it is about living for God one day at a time. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries