Stumbling Down TWWNP

My favorite way to describe myself is as an imperfect follower of Jesus. Not only does it set everyone’s expectations appropriately, but it also serves as a helpful reminder.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wisely says,

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (12:3)

If experience has taught me anything it’s that my life of “faithfulness” has been fraught with too many slips, collapses, and plummets to count. Yet I can be so quick to discount my foibles imagining I’m far more devout than a mirror would depict. What’s more, my flesh desperately wants others to believe that a life-tuned version of me is the real me.

It may seem insignificant, but introducing myself this way fights against that natural, sinful tendency. This way I’m reminded of the truth and others don’t accidentally put me on a pedestal.

The good news for all of us is that in the eleventh chapter of the letter to the Hebrews the author describes a whole host of imperfect followers as people of faith or people by faith. At first the list seems distinguished and unattainable as if my name wouldn’t seem appropriate on it. But as their stories unfold Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and all the rest make me feel at home. Sure, on their best days, they had epic moments of faithfulness that challenge and inspire me to new heights. But, if I’m honest, when I look at their low moments I’m tempted to judge them harshly mounted on top of my moral high horse.

What a gift that God would put on display a group people who are a mixed bag of broken, fallen, and sinful, yet, courageous, trustworthy, and righteous. These are the men and women who surround us. This is the family that we make sense in.

What a beautiful, hopeful reality that Jesus’ grace is sufficient for all of us. What an incredible idea that one day we will all be surrounding the throne of God, not distracted by the decisions of any one of our best or worst days, but all transfixed, staring at Jesus crying out “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

Honestly, on my best day, by God’s grace, I’m simply stumbling in Jesus’ direction… just like the rest of us. And that’s enough.

— Brady