First: No regrets?
Years ago, a statement made by a pastor one Sunday morning really stood out. He said, “To the guests here, we are not a gathering of a people who have it all together. We do not live perfectly. This is the point for why we gather. To praise the one who did live perfect and through Him we are made perfect.”
This is often missed by both, those who are Christians and those who are not. It is quite easy for those who are outside the faith, to look at those in the faith, and accuse them of hypocrisy. Because we are not perfect. We sin, and Scripture confirms this very thing.
The New Testament writer Paul said, “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Tim 1:14-15
I have felt those words. Some say, “I have no regrets.” This is not me. There are actions in my past that I hate. There are things that I have done that I despise and at times still weep over them when they come to mind. Paul’s words that he was the chief of sinners were only true because I had not yet been born.
Then there is that beautiful phrase, but Christ! There is a gracious, patient and merciful love in Christ which cannot be described by words.
For you those of us who are in the faith, we are perfect. Not by our doing but because we are IN CHRIST. It is your position in Christ. He is the source of your perfection. And He is worthy of our praise.
Until Next time S, D, G