Flawed, but accepted and treasured

Which do you want first, the good news or the bad? The bad news is that we are fatally flawed, our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, and  all have  sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23).  How on earth are we to come to terms with this without going into a hopeless depression. But the good news is that we are accepted in the beloved, accepted  and loved and treasured.  And when we come to Him in repentance,  we are redeemed and given a get out of jail free card,  to get into heaven. But yes, receiving the bad news is  still difficult, and it’s a kind of catch 22. If I don’t know the good news,  I don’t know there is a cure. On the other hand if I am still in denial about the bad news, the good news makes no sense. I mean what is it I need to be rescued from?

I hear stories about people who, thinking they may have cancer, refuse to go to the doctor. But I also know of people who see how foolish is that denial, but who still refuse to go to doctor Jesus to be healed from sin sickness. And this can  be about something they have done, or about something done to them. Most Christians I know can admit in general terms to having sinned, but to admit to a specific sin is another story. It’s easy to see it in others, in ourselves,  not so much. But if we don't see it,  perhaps we need to ask ourselves what is the probability that I alone have escaped the disease of sin! The bottom line is that we need to become like little children in a loving family. In such a family they  are able to receive truth and correction, but not be devastated by it. They can do this  because they know they are loved, accepted and secure.

I was reminded this morning that nobody can do recovery 24/7, it’s just too hard! We may need to take time out and read a book or binge on Netflix. It is important though not to isolate or binge in an unhealthy way. It only makes it worse, and we have to stop bingeing eventually. I am also reminded of the saying that we will not change until the pain of being stuck becomes greater than the pain and fear of change. "Are we there yet mummy?" But there is no trial or temptation or difficulty that, with His help,  we cannot endure and escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). He has taught me, like He did Jesus, to push through the pain to joy (Hebrews 5:8; 12:2). Not saying it is easy, but with Him all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

Father, please remind each and everyone reading this blog, that we are totally accepted (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV), and how very much You love and treasure us (John 3:16). You dance over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17), and as brother and sisters of Jesus,  You speak into us that we are Your beloved sons and daughters (Mark 1:11). Our value is in what was paid for us, and what was paid,  was the spilled blood of the precious Son of God. So each and every one of us is precious and of infinite value. Help us to treasure You Lord, as You treasure us, in Jesus Name Amen