Sometimes I walk with God. Sometimes not so much. I’m not proud of that, because my belief in Him is solid. It is my body that stumbles. I really want that glass of wine with dinner. I just have to tell my friend what her neighbor said. I lose my temper. I struggle. And if you’re like me, often you feel you just don’t have what it takes to “be a good Christian.”
Fear of criticism comes from many different places. It is not just worry that I’m not “good enough” in the eyes of the world. Often I worry that I’m not “informed enough” in the eyes of fellow Christians. That I don’t know the rules. Am I praying the right way? Am I using the right words? Should I have consulted biblical protocol before getting my tattoo? This, my friend, is called legalism.
I was criticized in a Bible study once for not praying correctly. My mother’s husband informed me that pierced ears are not pleasing to God. I don’t speak the correct jargon. I don’t dress the proper way. And the list goes on.
First of all, check out Colossians 2:20-22. “…if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations – Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle…” You should read it; it’s an awesome passage. And it basically means this. To encourage legalism is to discourage grace. Period.
Secondly, check out Ephesians 5:8-10. “…walk as children of light…finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” It doesn’t say already knowing what is acceptable. It says finding out. Just plunge in and walk and be open to learn along the way. Be fearless. That’s what “being like a child” means. Go for it. Trust. And as I like to remind myself – just keep it simple.
Wendy,
There is no right or wrong way…
thought you might like this it is from a friend of a friend…
author: Dale Bryant
A tennis racket is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Serena William hands is worth millions. It all depends on whose hands its in. A rod in my hands will keep an angry dog away. A rod in Moses hands parted the mighty red sea. It all depends on whose hands its in. A slingshot in my hands is a toy. A slingshot in Davids hands was a mighty weapon. It all depends on whose hands its in. Two fishes and 5 loaves in my hand, is just enough for breakfast in my house. Two fishes and 5 loaves in Jesus hands fed thousands. It all depends on whose hands its in. Nails in my hands might just cause a temporary injury. Nails in Jesus Christ hands produced salvation for the entire world. It all depends on whose hands its in. As you see now, it all depends on whose hands its in. So put your concerns, worries, fears, hopes, dreams, families and your relationship in Gods hands. Because it all depends on whose hands its in. Amen!
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. It gave me chills, it was so sweet.