Clearer Words for Life
I tell myself some pretty mean things about myself - "I'm not worthy," "I'm not lovable," "I'm not there yet," "I haven't done enough and I need to work more."
Lately I have been in the process of deconstructing, breaking down my beliefs, especially of my world view as a Christian. This has been perpetuated with the ongoing feeling of guilt and shame that comes from my shortcomings before the perfection of God. It wasn't until I joined the Bible Studies of the Love Reality Tour spearheaded by Jonathan Leonardo. They emphasize the book of Romans, especially the matter of righteousness by faith, which states, by your faith in what Jesus has done for you, you are counted as righteous.
As someone who has been living with many years with the following statements,
"You're not good enough for heaven."
"He [God] can't love you like this!"
"God is good, but He won't be good to you unless you...[jump through steps]"
It's been quite a challenging, sometimes even a miserable journey as a Christian with these thoughts over my head. Fortunately, these are lies. Instead of having faith in the Christ's love, instead of believing in Jesus Christ's faithfulness, I focused on the lack of mine. Instead of focusing on what I felt I had to do, I forgot what He already did.
What kind of words are we living? Is it the words of loved ones? Mottos? Inspiring quotes? Someone else's rules? Jesus said, "Man should not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." A lot of people speak for God, and I totally understand why people may still connect with God, but not connect well with His Christians.
I'm no theologian, but after reading even just the book of John in the Bible, I felt like I knew Jesus more than I anyone has ever taught. I thought, "If God is really as good as they say, the God I just read about now is even better than the words they could describe Him."
In the end, God's words are good and His intentions are towards love first. I've spent far too long talking myself down, it's time to actually believe the good word He has for me. I am good enough. I am loved. God is good and He'll still be good to me. If I say the opposite, I have to catch myself rephrase my bad words until they're right. I will live as I believe, as I am convicted, and how I was living felt like I was dying. Although I struggle and suffer as anyone does, it is much easier to live when the words you believe are positive and TRUE!
Special thanks to the Love Reality Tour crew for all that you do!
If you want to see what they are up to they have study videos, a Facebook community and even regular Bible study groups that you can call into.
Check them out at loverealitytour.org
