GOD'S GOOD. YOU'RE BAD. TRY HARDER!

A friend told me recently that both of his teenagers rushed in from their youth group meeting and grabbed a bite to eat on the way to their rooms.  As they were passing by, he asked them, "How did youth group go?"  The 16 year old boy said, "Oh you know, Dad.  God's good.  You're bad.  Try Harder."  That's the unfortunate message Christians hear every week.

In my recent introduction at our Pastor's Conference, I shared that I believe there are three distinct types of Christians attending a typical worship service each week. 

Group 1 - The spiritually hungry.  These are the Christians who have a great desire to grow in the Lord.  They are like a dog that is waiting for food by the bowl at meal time who is saying "I'll eat whatever you give me.  Just feed me!" 

Group 2 - The spiritually disillusioned.  These are the Christians who can't figure out why they can't get Christianity to work for them.  They were excited and full of hope in the beginning but now some are disappointed, some are bored and some are ready to give up.  They are like the dog that keeps coming to get food.  Over time, the dog grows tired of the lack of energy and the lack of flavor from what they eat. 

Group 3 - Those in pain emotionally and relationally.  These Christians often carry their secrets and are ashamed to share their struggles.  They are like the dog that goes and lies down in a dark place under a bed and doesn't care if they eat or not.

If you were to ask each of these Christians what the Christian life is all about, they might each answer similar to the 16 year old boy.  God's good.  I'm bad.  Try harder.  This view of the Christian life is not only incorrect, it's unsustainable, and it doesn't help either group to experience genuine growth, fulfillment or healing.

The Gospel of the New Covenant however, can help all three groups.  Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."  The Gospel tells us that everyone of us who believe has been given that righteousness, so we can stop looking for it.  2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to become sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.  (NASB)  Believing that you are as righteous as Jesus is the key to spiritual growth, according to Hebrews 5:13. 

The Gospel tells us that there is hope for those who are disillusioned because they can find that their identity is in their union with God, not in their sins, failures, successes or service to God.  Colossians 2:10 says it this way: So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT)

And for those in emotional and relational pain, there is hope for you, also.  Jesus promised that He came to bind up the brokenhearted according to Isaiah 61:1.In Isaiah 53:4, we are also encouraged by these words.  Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.(ESV) 

Religion and relationships will always let us down or even damage us.  The real Jesus in the real Gospel, revealed in the fantabulous New Covenant, will always lift us up and heal us.  The Gospel of the New Covenant is this:  God is good.  You are righteous.  Trust Christ in you to live your life!

Believe it! It's the Gospel.

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, President and Founder

www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2016 Mark Maulding but feel free to pass it on!

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Aren't The Same

I remember the first time I bowed my head and prayed for God to show me the people He wanted me to forgive. The Holy Spirit led me very specifically to write down with pen and pad several names.   I forgave each person but soon began to ask myself. "Does this mean I have to reconcile with some of these people?"   I've found through the years, that my question is a very serious one asked by many. Without a Biblical answer, it can stop some in their tracks preventing them from forgiving.

It's helpful to remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. Forgiveness is something God always wants us to do according to Ephesians 4:32. "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." NASB  Reconciliation, is another matter.

Reconciliation is always God's heart for two people but is not always possible because it takes both to make it work. This is true even of God and people. He has done everything necessary for us to be reconciled to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:20 "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." NASB However, someone's reconciliation with God will never happen unless a person is willing to admit their need for Jesus and place their faith in Him.

There are essential elements, if reconciliation is to take place between two people.

1. Both parties must see a need to reconcile.
2. Both parties must be willing to reconcile.
3. Both parties must take responsibility for their part of the problem.
4. Both parties must admit to what they didto the other person.
5. Both parties must be willing to work on their part of the relationship.
6. One or both parties must give time for trust to be rebuilt.

Because our identity is in Christ, our new heart's deepest desire is to reconcile with another person. Being willing to do so is living from that new heart.   It might help to review the essential elements to see if we are ready on our side to pursue reconciliation, if it is possible. 

 "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."  Romans 12:18 NASB

Believe it. It's the Gospel!

Live Free In Christ, 

Mark Maulding, President and Founder 
www.GraceLifeInternational.com 
All Content Copyright © 2014 Mark Maulding