The Ugliness of Sin

Today, I had another glimpse of the ugliness of the body of Christ. Every time I see it, I find myself taken aback, not expecting such hurtful words to come from someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus. I am also reminded why so many don't like us "Christians", and how they don't want to have anything to do with our Christ because they know if we are his followers and act like we do sometimes, He can't be very nice.

In Corinth, the same ugliness that I experienced today was going on. The Apostle Paul tells believers there to "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).

When I read this, I think back and wonder if I am a good example of Christ to the world who does not know Him.

My Christ is humble.
My Christ is loving.
My Christ is forgiving.
My Christ cares deeply, and wants to have a relationship with his followers.
My Christ sat with the least and the lost.
My Christ served even when he was tired.

Is that what I imitate? That's what I want to imitate to the world. I want them to see Him in me. I have to remember though that my flesh is ugly, and that if I'm not careful, it will rear its ugly head, just like it does sometimes in others. I need to give grace, and I need to not give up the fight.

Paul continues in his letter to another city struggling, "Whatever you have learned, received, heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."(Phil. 4:9)

It's all about practice, and keeping our focus on our Christ, who is infinitely more than we can ever imagine.

As the Years Go By

I haven't blogged in a little over 3 years - how has it gone by that fast?

 A lot has happened in the past 3 years. I got engaged to the man of my dreams:

We got married in my church's Chapel that sits a top the same hill that for years I had gone to pray for my future husband.

(Isn't my husband handsome?!) 

 We bought a house and adopted our first fur baby: Phoebe

A lot has happened, and time has been flying by.

 I decided to start writing again, not because I think anyone but my husband probably reads it, but because it helps me to process what God is teaching me. If you do happen to come across my wandering thoughts, I do hope it is an encouragement, and that you see glimpses of the Great One, and not my many failings.