The Impossible Life
Comparing myself to others in the church once gave me a sense of satisfaction. I thought I was doing great because I steered my life away from the big flashy sins. It wasn't until reading through the book of Matthew one day, that I realized how far I had actually missed the mark. I came to some heavy teachings in Matthew chapter five, which left me wondering how in the world I was ever supposed to stay on this path. I had never killed anyone, but I found Jesus saying that angry outbursts against a brother were just as sinful. Not only that, but lust was just as condemning as outright adultery. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I was never good enough. The kicker came in verse 48: You are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. What I didn't realize was that the Christian life is not tough to live...it's impossible!
The truth is, no one has ever lived the Christian life except Jesus Christ. Did you know that when you accepted Christ as your Savior, the Spirit of Christ came into you to express His life through you? If you're a Christian, you now have everything you need to live like the Christian you've always wanted to be. It's a matter of faith... trusting Christ as your life... moment by moment... every day. God's desire is not that we live for Him. His principle desire is that we allow Christ to live His life through us.