• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Mind the Gap

Mind the Gap

Posted on November 4, 2018 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


I am appalled and a good bit chagrined at the gap between what I believe and how I act.

Mind the Gap

For example, I readily acknowledge the theological truth that there is nothing good in me that caused God to choose me as one to be saved. I fully believe in the Reformation idea that salvation is by grace alone and is unconditional. In other words, I did nothing to deserve God’s favor.

But, when I am confronted with my own failures, I become defensive and bristle at the idea that I fall short of what I am trying to achieve. I am irritated when someone points out my flaws and failures.

I am flawed and fail frequently. I know this and acknowledge this. The question is, why then do I try to hide what I know to be true? .

My attitude and actions are more consistent with the belief that I can make myself better and that all that is lacking is sufficient effort to move toward perfection. This is not consistent with what I claim to believe.

The knowledge of my inability to earn God’s favor should free me up to be who I really am. I don’t have to strive to be something that I cannot be. I am certainly not fooling God and most probably not fooling anyone else either.

Oh, maybe that’s why the Psalmist tells me to “cease striving and know that I am God.”


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Death, life and the love of God

Paul tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Why then do I often act as if I have to earn God’s love?

Blaming Others

Getting caught in the blame game – Part 1

If evolution is true on what basis do we blame others? Where does the need to blame come from? This post is part 1 of a 2 part series.

Paths of Righteousness for His Name’s Sake

In Psalm 23:3, King David writes, “he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” While there is benefit to me in walking a path of righteousness, my benefit is not the primary purpose of God’s leading me. David points to God’s reputation and God’s purpose as the reason for the leading. […]

On giving offense

Nowhere can you find Jesus indicating that ideas don’t matter and any belief is acceptable as long as it is firmly held. On every page of the gospel accounts, Jesus says something that is deemed intolerant by our society.

Prophetic Voice

On the need for a prophetic voice

The bottom line is that I need a prophetic voice in my life. So, I guess I’m OK with my pastor making me feel uncomfortable. Perhaps in this I am in a minority.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
February 2023
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728 
« Jan    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in