I'm Not That Bad

Romans 5:6-8; Romans 9:14-16; Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:4-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12

We have just recently experienced one of, if not THE ugliest election campaigns in the history of presidential elections. It has been a trend for a while now to go negative against your opponent, but this last election seems to have gone to new lows. Not just in the presidential race either. It was all down the line. It seems all a candidate needs to do to win an election is let you know how much worse it would be if their opponent were to win. 

Unfortunately, too often we have this attitude within the church. We begin to compare ourselves to other believers and are convinced that while we may not be perfect, at least we are not as bad as "them". We may even try to convince God of our worthiness based on comparing our lives with others. Problem is, those "others" are not the measuring rod. If we want a relationship with Him, we must match the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Of course we all know that is totally impossible for us to reach. But the good news is we don't have to. He has already done that for us. Jesus has paid the price for our sin. He has arranged for the greatest trade ever offered; our unrighteousness for His righteousness. A second chance at a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

So the next time we start trying to justify our lives based on the lives of other believers, let's stop to think about the justification that we have received when we put our trust in Christ. Let's not condemn each other but build each other up, encouraging one another to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) And let us be thankful for the greatest gift given to mankind; salvation through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!

John 1:12 (NASB) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

Pastor Mike Deese