“But God has shown us how much he loves us-it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (GNT)
Day 27: Strive #writetogether31days #fiveminutefriday
Looking back on most of my life, if you’d ask what I did best, my answer would quickly be “strive.” Trying hard somehow became as natural for me as breathing. But there’s more…I didn’t just want to be the best student, daughter, teacher, wife, mother, church member, etc. I wanted to be the perfect one. I couldn’t stand the thought of making a mistake. Well, we all know how well that’s worked out.
Somehow I thought that if I put in the time, followed the rules, checked off the lists, did all the things, my working hard would result in finally feeling successful, accepted, and worthy of love. The harder I tried, the more it seemed I messed up, and then, I tried even harder. It. Was. Exhausting! Have you been there?
This way of thinking even spilled over into my Christian life and so, I made every effort to be the the “good girl” I determined I needed to be. The thought of letting God down could overwhelm me and in turn I filled my already full schedule with more to-do’s to satisfy what I believed He expected of me. But like Paul in Romans 7:15, I did not understand myself because what I wanted to do I did not do, but what I hated to do, I did. Pursuing perfection was doing me in!
“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)
The truth is, I always knew it was impossible to be perfect (although it didn’t stop me from trying), but what a relief it was to learn the real Truth: that I didn’t need to be perfect at all. It was as if I heard God saying, “Cindy, stop trying so hard.”
It’s difficult for us humans to accept that it isn’t all about us. (I have to remind myself more often than I’d like.) But, no matter what wonderful things we accomplish, how intelligent, generous, kind we are, how many rules we follow, or how much we love others, the reality is, we can never be good enough, do enough, or be enough to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only Way. And my friends, He is all we should strive after; because as it can only be, one day, through Him we’ll find that perfection forevermore.
“Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.”
Hebrews 10:12,14 (GNT)
Why are we so slow to learn, Cindy? Are we somehow conditioned to think of ourselves as general managers of the universe?
I think we are drilled in school and further encouraged in church to ‘be good girls and boys’ to please parents, teachers and God. Yet in our own strength is pride and disobedience and our own good works have to go to the cross.
It’s tricky to know how to teach this truth whilst motivating perseverance, patience and obedience.
It is part of our human nature to try to do things on our own. I need to remember the verses from Mattew 11:28-29.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
“The truth is, I always knew it was impossible to be perfect (although it didn’t stop me from trying), but what a relief it was to learn the real Truth: that I didn’t need to be perfect at all. It was as if I heard God saying, “Cindy, stop trying so hard.”
Me too. The day the lightbulb of grace came on in my head, I jumped up and yelled, “I get it! I get it!!”
Thank you for writing and sharing today.
I have gotten that check more than once myself. Stop trying so hard, consider what is more important, just stop fretting over all the mental lists you always make. FMF10
This >> “He is all we should strive after; because as it can only be, one day, through Him we’ll find that perfection forevermore.” Amen!