"Come as you are. Leave different."
I saw this sign on a church, and I was struck by the truth in these six simple words.
Unfortunately, the self-esteem focus of our culture has so skewed our perspective that we stress the first sentence and neglect the second.
It’s true that God calls us to come to Him no matter who we are or what we’ve done. He isn’t looking for perfect people because none exist. He loves us despite our past sins and failures and accepts us as we are.
But afterward He expects us to change. Following Christ means just that…following His ways, not ours.
Self-satisfaction is a sin.
Christ is always encouraging, correcting, rebuking and challenging us to become different, less like ourselves and more like Him (Revelation 3:19).
So today let’s approach God in prayer and Bible study just as we are, but let’s leave different.
"Live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
Good Morning!! It is always nice to be greeted by your 'Bible Loves Notes' shortly after my day begins!!
ReplyDeleteThis is soo true...we should look forward to leaving church, or our reading in God's Word 'different.'
Thanks for all the help with InLinkz as I now have the little icons for blogs I follow at the bottom of my posts.
Hi, Gail! A friend forwarded me your blog. I love it! I immediately subscribed via both email and Pinterest. Thank you for following God's call.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Thanks, Terry. I'm so glad to have you on this "journey" with me as we grow in Christ. Bless you, Gail
DeleteI jumped over here from the WLW link up party and I'll be back. I love your format. Short and sweet, but full of truth.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful thoughts for the day. Thank you for linking this at NOBH. I'm always inspired by your posts. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThe Word is the good seed - it must be taken in, die, and be nurtured to grow and produce fruit. If you do these things, you cannot help but be changed... into a walking testimony!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of one of my favourite quotes:
ReplyDeleteMax Lucado — 'God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus. '
I enjoy your lessons
ReplyDeleteMakes perfect sense. I just feel as though I'm drowning in compromised faith. I feel God isn't listening to me. I feel lost although I am a born again Christian and I love the Lord. I just seem to be idling like a car, drowning in shame and fear. Much of what has brought these feelings upon me has to do with my health. Thank you so much for this wonderful truth you have spoken and the Bible verses. Caroline
ReplyDeleteGreat devotion. I love these one minute love notes. Please keep up the great work and God bless you always
ReplyDelete