Most of us
might not like to admit it but we are constantly comparing ourselves to each
other. We might not like to admit it because ultimately when we do compare
ourselves we’re effectively revealing that we don’t like who we are.
If everyone
does it then we’re all just wasting time trying to be each other and eventually
none of us will be anyone. And that’s just stupid.
Why do we do
it then? Why then in a culture like ours (and I’m specifically speaking of a Northern
Irish Church culture) where we are told often enough that we are sinners and
need saved, do we not embrace our faults? Our weaknesses. Our insecurities. Isn’t
that what we are told Jesus came to save us from? Our weaknesses are a good
thing then. Right?
Well if you
are anything like me then you know that it’s not that simple. You can submerge
yourself in a Christian culture still only deeply rooted in the idea we need
saved and still have doubts about who you are, why you’re not as funny as her,
why you don’t play as well as him, dress well enough, organize things as well.
Pick
whatever it is you enjoy doing, feel good about yourself because of or are
inspired to live your life for and there will always be someone out there
better or more talented.
But if Jesus
already sorted our sin and our faults, why do we still put so much effort into
comparing ourselves?
Is it that
we don’t really understand what Jesus did for us? Is it because we are simply
human or is it because we are jerks?
Or all
three?
The prevalent
teaching of most Churches is that Jesus died for us because we are screw ups
and that if you want to go to Heaven you need to be saved or else you will be
going to Hell.
Our mission
is biased towards this so we focus on winning souls. Our relationships are
based on this so we spend most of our time with other Christians. Our teachings
are focused on how we live well so we don’t backslide.
But what if
we have skewed it a little?
What if we
have narrowed the Gospel to simply about a one off event?
To simply
about our final destiny.
What happens
in-between?
And how does
it affect how we think about ourselves?
Is it
possible that Jesus died for us not only because He wants us to feel His love
forever but He wants us to experience it now?
Is it
possible that Jesus has a plan that consists of more than sitting around,
waiting for Him to come back and not screw up in the meantime?
When we look
at the Gospel in this alternative way I think it allows us to take hold of our
faults and say, even with these Jesus still loved me enough to free me. So even
if with your porn addiction or your gossip compulsion or your fear of not being
in control, Jesus still went ahead.
Those weren’t
enough to put Him off.
But apparently
for us they are.
In John 8
the Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus who has committed adultery. In fact she
was right bang in the middle of it (Interesting also that the man is nowhere to
be seen). They bring her to Jesus for Him to condemn her. It’s a set up. Hundreds
of people are surrounding you yelling angrily, hatefully. Jesus has to join
them right? But instead he writes words on the ground in the dirt. Nobody knows
for certain what, but slowly the crowd peels away. The people have no answer. Soon
it’s just the woman and Jesus. Jesus asks her who condemns her. Everyone is
gone. Nobody condemns her. And then Jesus utters the words that change her
world.
“Neither do
I”.
Before that
He invited those who had never messed up in their life to throw the first rock
at the woman. Of course no one could accept that invite. And yet we feel the
sharpness of rocks thrown at us all the time. It just so happens the one
throwing the stones is ourselves.
Jesus’ focus
is not on what she has to do for Him to love her. It’s not even a factor. His
focus is not about her eternal destination. It’s not even mentioned. It’s about
here and now.
To embrace His
love simply because He is love.
That is his
focus.
And it should
be ours too.
But so often
we forget we are loved, we panic and then look at others to see how we can improve.
Forgetting
that because of Jesus, there is nothing to improve on.
Forgetting it’s a waste
of time and effort.
And it won’t
get us anywhere.
Even Heaven.
