We’re not perfect people and sometimes it seems like the harder we try on our own, the bigger the mess we make. Paul experienced this firsthand in the early part of his life. His story reminds us that no matter how far off base we’ve gotten with God, His love is sufficient. No matter how big of a sinner you think you are, God’s grace can reach the worst.
Doctrine is important in a corrupt culture. When people want to twist the gospel of Jesus to fit their own agendas and lifestyles, Christians must stand strong for the simple truths of who Jesus is. This is vital to the mission of Christianity. We cling to truth, not to win arguments, but to win souls.
Runners don’t try to run a marathon. They train. They sweat. They put forth the effort. Likewise, Christians aren’t expected to just try to be good. Living like Jesus doesn’t happen by mistake. You have to desire holiness. You have to want to fight against the sinful nature. Salvation is free but sanctification takes work.
Everyone wants to be a leader but few people have what it takes to be influential. The latter is what Christians should strive for. It’s not about a title or a position of power. It is about living a lifestyle that is so different that it makes the gospel contagious. It’s about keeping Christianity weird.
All Jesus wants is all you have. He wants you to stick it out in the hard times. He wants you to surrender everything you hold dear to His call, to pour your life out like an offering, and to risk. We are hopeful because we know that the gospel is larger than all of us. It is eternal, and the reward is great for those who MOVE.