James 2:10
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
tl;dr
Spiritual growth is not about becoming proud of progress. It is about recognizing continued dependence on Jesus, who has carried us this far and will continue to lead us forward.
I used to suffer greatly with alcoholism. I would regularly fall into deplorable behavior and make choices that left me ashamed and broken. Through the powerful gift of Jesus, I have been freed from those old patterns.
I do not struggle with the same sins I did back then, but I still struggle with sin.
It can be easy to think highly of myself because I have conquered, through Jesus, some of the big stuff. Yet the closer I draw to God, the more He reveals areas of my life that still need work.
That humbles me.
There is a song by Mandisa called “Unfinished.” I love that title because it reminds me that God is still working on me. I am not finished yet.
The more I seek Him, the more He reveals the attitudes, motives, fears, and character defects that still need His transforming touch. Left to myself, I cannot let go of these things. I need the powerful gift of Jesus.
What once seemed like victory can quickly become pride if I forget who gave me the victory.
Today, I will try not to become prideful about how far I have come. Instead, I will remember whose strength brought me here.
It was not my willpower.
It was not my determination.
It was His grace.
He has brought me through, and He will take me to where He wants me to be.
The same God who carried me through yesterday will carry me through today and tomorrow.
Forward in Christ!
#GodsGrace #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #James2 #PowerfulGiftOfJesus #HolyHealthyHappy