Subscribe to RSS Feed News Feed Subscribe to Comments RSS Feed Comments

Home > , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , > When "Good Enough" is not Enough

When "Good Enough" is not Enough

Tuesday, April 08, 2014 Posted by Lisa

Pin It

One of the more difficult teachings to communicate to those trying to understand Christianity is God’s complete Holiness and our need for sanctification. A common response is usually “but I’m a good person” and then proceed to compare themselves to Hitler or Stalin. “At least I’m not as bad as them!”

Yes, I am thankful you’re not.

The problem with this line of thinking is that the frame of reference is off. We tend to look at the world from our vantage point. And why not? After all, that is our default position. But it’s not God’s perspective.

I love how my pastor once described a story of a farmer who painted his massive barn white. During the Summer months, the white paint stood out in stark contrast to the lush green of the sprawling farm. Driving through the countryside you could see this beauty from a distance. Spectacular sight indeed.

Oh, and the Fall? Wow. The white would stand as an impressive backdrop for the changing colors that brushed the landscape. You would have a difficult challenge finding a more beautiful scene.

Now imagine the Winter and the first snow to lay against the barn walls. Nobody ever noticed the barn had many places that weren't so white until the purity from heavenly skies brought proper perspective.  The white of the barn didn't look so white anymore.

Isn't that the same for us and Jesus?

When an individual stops comparing themselves to what or who surrounds them and starts comparing themselves to Jesus, only then do we have proper viewpoint. God’s perspective.  A person’s “good enough” is not enough when placed against the perfect standard. Yes, the white we see is not truly white.

How then will one ever measure up to perfection?

The gift is this: When we accept that Christ stands in for us, God sees righteousness.

Because...while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)
 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." (Rom 3:23-24 NLT)

...Please put down that paintbrush. Jesus said "It is finished".


Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go. 
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,