(aka – Failure Part II)
When you stop and think about it, it’s almost like God is smarter than us. Like, maybe His way of thinking about things is better. Maybe.
It’s true, and simple, and absolutely imperative. Yet, just so readily, I forget.
Life “works” about 98% of the time. Sort of like a really sneaky, effective trap. Just enough love, success, power, joy, attention, and positive reinforcement to almost make us believe that we’ve got it all – all because of us. The thing I am starting to realize is that there is always that 2% that we will never come close to achieving. That ultimately crucial 2% that feels so disproportionally significant.
My greatest attempts will never impress everyone. And I am on the road to becoming ultimately grateful that they won’t.
I am becoming just so thankful that God’s system functions according to completely different principles than our own. I am so thankful that it isn’t about earning or proving anything. Because, if it were – I would be found wanting.
If God’s love were based on my personal merits, I wouldn’t deserve it. If a relationship with Him was dependant on my character, I wouldn’t be worthy. If His grace were based on my goodness, I wouldn’t be able to receive it. I know, beyond on a shadow of a doubt, that I would fail. My life thus far is a testimony to that.
What an incredible gift then, that He has given us: Love that is truly unconditional - that functions, not only in spite of our failures, imperfections, and sin, but because of them. Because I could never earn grace.
Archive for June 2009
posted by Jenn on Failing, God
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(aka – Failure Part II)
When you stop and think about it, it’s almost like God is smarter than us. Like, maybe His way of thinking about things is better. Maybe.
It’s true, and simple, and absolutely imperative. Yet, just so readily, I forget.
Life “works” about 98% of the time. Sort of like a really sneaky, effective trap. Just enough love, success, power, joy, attention, and positive reinforcement to almost make us believe that we’ve got it all – all because of us. The thing I am starting to realize is that there is always that 2% that we will never come close to achieving. That ultimately crucial 2% that feels so disproportionally significant.
My greatest attempts will never impress everyone. And I am on the road to becoming ultimately grateful that they won’t.
I am becoming just so thankful that God’s system functions according to completely different principles than our own. I am so thankful that it isn’t about earning or proving anything. Because, if it were – I would be found wanting.
If God’s love were based on my personal merits, I wouldn’t deserve it. If a relationship with Him was dependant on my character, I wouldn’t be worthy. If His grace were based on my goodness, I wouldn’t be able to receive it. I know, beyond on a shadow of a doubt, that I would fail. My life thus far is a testimony to that.
What an incredible gift then, that He has given us: Love that is truly unconditional - that functions, not only in spite of our failures, imperfections, and sin, but because of them. Because I could never earn grace.