Friends, I hear these statements more and more often as a reason why people are not interested in going to church or having a relationship with God. These are beliefs that I once held myself. I used to think that I had to have my entire life in order before I could go to God. I used to think that if I went to church I would be judged for my wrongdoing. I used to feel that church was a place for members only and I did not feel like a member. I saw church people as squeaky clean and faultless and if I wanted to join them I would have to do the same.
This is a lie!
Please don't believe the lie. It is planted in your heart and your mind to deter you from entering in to all that God has for you. And everything he has for you is good because he is good.
You do not have to be perfect to have a relationship with God! There are several reasons why you should believe my claim.
#1- God sent his son to die for you before you were even born! He loved you before you even had an opportunity to choose to love him back.
#2- When Jesus was alive he spent all of his time with those that needed him most. If you read through the new testament you will realize that he avoided the religious leaders and the most religious people because they were often the ones that demanded rule following and yet were corrupt. They were lacking the most important thing, the thing that makes up who God is-- Love and Grace. So if Jesus wanted to spend his fleeting time with the outcasts of society in his day, then why do you think you have to wait to be "good enough?"
#3- If you could be good enough to warrant God then there is no need for Jesus' sacrifice. If you could be perfect all the time, if it were even possible, then seriously, why did Jesus die? It was pointless! He suffered a horrendous death for crimes he was not guilty of for something that you could attain yourself? No, I don't think so.
#4- This is the best one. God says come as you are. Those things that are holding you captive will let go of you as you draw close to Him. The first step is to draw close to God. He will do the rest. As you grow in your relationship with God you will find yourself less and less interested in the things that you once thought you could never give up. It is by Christ's power that you are able to do these things. Honestly, you can never give them all up on your own. And you will NEVER BE PERFECT! See #3.
Ok, so to sum it up very simply for you....
If you are waiting to come to God, don't! The time is now. He wants you and loves you just the way you are. As you draw close to God he will draw close to you and change you slowly. Check out churches in your area. If they do not accept you into their congregation as you are, then don't go back. Find a place that will show you the love of God, one that includes grace.
If you are a religious person already, remember from whence you came! You, me, no one is above another. We are ALL sinners. We all still struggle with weaknesses. Accept your fellow human being into your church and into your life. Love them as Christ commands. We are all in this together.
Let me leave you with some words from Paul to the people of Galatia (remember Paul was named Saul and actually persecuted and killed those that followed the teachings of Jesus. He had a conversion experience on the road while traveling. He was blinded by a bright light and heard Jesus voice. He was blinded for three days and then miraculously healed and became an adamant follower of Jesus. He suffered brutal physical pain, prison, and persecution. He eventually died a martyr.)
Galatians 2:19-21 (Message version)
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
I think that is beautiful. Paul knew that there was nothing he could do to earn rightness with God. He was changed by being in Christ's presence and he let Christ lead him and direct his life. It was that simple. No rule keeping. Grace. And if Paul could kill Christians and then be one of the lead authors of the New Testament then of course God can use you too. Its never too late!!
