Today’s post title is inspired by a song that’s been going through my brain of late:
Obviously written for their particular situation, up there in the spotlight and (at least back then in the 90’s) quite a famous band. I’m not a celebrity, I don’t think I’ve got the souls of millions in my hands but I do wonder sometimes, what happens when I make a mistake? Will it effect how people see Christianity? I’m very vocal about what I believe in and I’m also human so it happens on a regular basis that I’m wrong, that I act selfishly or out of fear. It’s an inevitability.
It’s bad enough worrying about my own personal reputation being tarnished, because modern life is all about reputation, isn’t it? But when I muck up it reflects badly on Jesus. I’m great at worrying, if it was an Olympic sport I would make the team I’m sure.
I have this verse jotted down and I looked over it yesterday. It’s from The Message version of the bible
It’s how it should be, really and when I let go of control and worry I always feel better. That last line ‘It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life’ speaks volumes to me. It’s a bit of a ‘DOH!’ moment. Of course it makes sense. I make myself miserable with the ‘what if’s and but maybe’s’ of life sometimes and it makes no difference what so ever.
So, in truth, I don’t need to worry because as long as I’m human I’m going to make mistakes but God’s always going to forgive me for the stupid things I do, hurrah. And I can’t change how other people will see me but God’s got it all in hand. I can’t ruin his good name because he’s so much BIGGER than my actions.
A friend of mine sent me this poem once (it’s often atributed to Maya Angelou but it’s not hers) and it is beautiful!
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved
So, I’m going to attempt to let go a bit more and find less to worry about. It can only be a good thing.
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