We are who we are.
That’s a statement for the ages, for self-aggregation, for selecting all the discrete character flaws that make up the human condition, and using them to prove we are rightly-made, unflawed, and at the top of the evolutionary ladder.
It’s also what we say just before we tumble off our ivory tower of self-congratulatory accolades. The leaders of ancient Israel uncovered this truth as they railed at the chafing restrictions of the power of the almighty God. The scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees held esteemed stations in their closed world of power and influence. They began to think more of their position than of the truth of God and doing his will.
We see their attitude exposed in Psalm 62:4:
“They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.”
The leaders of Israel didn’t care about truth. They were concerned with the image they wished to portray. They spoke that which was convenient and served their purpose, even as they wrought destruction by their actions. They put on a façade of genteel manners and gracious warmth, but in the shadows, they fostered deeds of black contempt.
They were entirely too human, for it is in human nature to present ourselves in the best light possible, to slant things in our favor, to try to “work the system” to ensure that we come out of every possible situation with our spoon in the gravy.
We wrestle with the same responses in our Christian walk. We argue with God, attempt to convince him that certain vices are acceptable, and even claim that we need to break the law when the need arises. It’s okay to drive just over the speed limit. Officers allow a 5 MPH margin, so we won’t get stopped. No one ever gets their hand slapped for fudging just a little on our taxes, so what’s the big deal? It’s only an extra slice of pie. It’s not gluttony until we’re grossly overweight.
C’mon, God, let us be who we are. After all, we’re only human. You made us this way, remember?
Jesus came to make us more than human, to cast all lies aside, and to enable us to abide with him in perfection for all eternity. The time is now. We must put aside our excuses and accept the challenge.
We may start out as who we are, but being a Christian means we are on a journey to what we will become: an improved man through Christ, in whom all things are made new.
Being human is only the beginning of where God wants us to go.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.E.04.16a.vp.kjv