Have you ever felt bad about your faults?
Have you ever gotten down on yourself because you acted selfishly or lost your temper? Do you feel that the parts of you that need improvement make you unworthy?
Well, it’s time to rejoice! Very simply, it’s the parts of you that God can heal and improve that will become a source of joy and victory. Here’s what the gospel of Luke has to say:
Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance."
What an empowering thought! Luke 15:7 could be considered a game changer. It means that our faults can actually become a source of joy in heaven. Our efforts to become better, holier people are more cause for celebration in heaven than the good acts of righteous people. So, transforming the aspects of ourselves that we’re not proud of is an opportunity of the highest order.
But wait. It’s gets better. Not only is being imperfect an opportunity, we also don’t have to be perfect in trying to live a life more pleasing to God. Take a look …
Proverbs 24:16-17: "For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity."
The uplifting news that the book of Proverbs is telling us here is that it’s ok to fail. Failing to transform yourself is NOT the problem. The problem is NOT getting up again. In fact, Proverbs 24:16-17 tells us that failing and trying again MAKES you righteous. The real fault is NOT getting up. We can ALWAYS try again. We can ALWAYS try again. That’s where the victory is!
Have Faults That Need Fixing? You’re Not Alone!
Do you have a friend, family member, or acquaintance who acts as if they are perfect? Well, let me tell you their little secret. They’re not. Nobody is.
We are all a work in progress. It’s the wise person who understands this. And it’s the wise person who embraces the opportunity our imperfection provides.
Jesus came to minister to us and sacrifice himself for us because we fall short. Jesus did his part … perfectly and beautifully. Our part is simple. We just have to get up. We just have to keep trying to transform ourselves. If we can just do that, heaven will rejoice!
