When We Are Not At Our Best

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

Let’s face it, there are many times in our lives when we are not at our best. Years ago I was at a library book sale and as I was walking in there was a lunatic out ranting and raging in the parking lot. Like others who were going into the sale I ignored the mentally disturbed man and quickly made my way into the building.

By the time I was leaving the sale I had forgotten about the man. Yet he was still there as I exited the building. I have said to my wife that if there is a crazy person around they choose me to focus on and talk to. And here he came straight at me raging and bellowing. He was quite scary with his ranting at me.

By some miracle I got into my truck and locked the doors getting away from the raging man before he could reach me. He had frightened me badly and I was relieved to be within the safety of my truck. I know I shouldn’t have done it. I would not do it today. But as I went past the lunatic in my truck I lay upon my horn returning one scare for another, having the satisfaction of watching in my rearview mirror as he chased me down the street raging more than ever.

We all do things we are not proud of. It’s part of our humanity and sinful nature. One day we will be completely above petty behavior and the desire to get even with others. We will be able to fully rise above our constant tendency to do wrong and fall short of God’s glory and will for us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10

Jesus did not come to save a perfect human race. There would have been no need to do so. Thankfully Jesus came to save us sinners. 

Each of us has moments in life we regret and are ashamed of, times when we know God was not smiling upon our actions. We have a Lord who saved us from past, present, and future sins. Our job, with God’s help, is to make those sinful actions few and far between.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that our sins are forgiven. Thank You for not giving up on us and loving us no matter how foolish our actions may be. Amen.