Are you perfect? Do you ever beat yourself up because you are not perfect?
Let me ask that question a different way. Do you ever get discouraged because of your sin?
If you do, you are not alone. In fact, my guess is that most of us at times (and maybe for some of us most of the time) get discouraged over our sinfulness.
Doesn’t it amaze you at times how often you can go back to the same sin over and over and over? It does me.
As you start a new day and week, I have a word of good news for all those of us who sin.
Be Glad for the Way God Sees You
Jesus talked with His disciples. He told them the parable of the four soils (Luke 8:1-21). As He ended this particular parable, Jesus makes a statement that is worthy of your consideration today.
Notice what Jesus says:
21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)
If today you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Jesus considers you His family. Think about that for a second. You are in Jesus’ family!
If You Are Family, Then What Are You Not?
In the greater context of this parable, a couple of key terms get thrown around several times, particularly sinner and tax collector. The Pharisees saw people as sinners and castigated people as deplorables because of their perception of individuals’ sins. However, this is the exact opposite of Jesus.
Jesus did not categorize people from the category of sin; He looked at those who had a relationship by faith with Him as family.
How Should This Impact Your Day and Week?
Friend, if you have a relationship with God through Christ, you are family. Jesus’ family.
He does not consider you primarily a sinner or anything less than the great designation of family.
Therefore, allow that great news to help lift you head up, draw near unto Jesus Christ, ask forgiveness for any sin that hinders your fellowship with Him, and commit again this week to hear what He says and live obedient to it in everyday living. Hear and obey. Why? Because you are part of the family of God.
Hear the full story as I told it at Sonrise yesterday:
