My List Is Longer Than Your List

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (MSG)

Many years ago I sat in a Bible Study and we were talking about things we'd like to overcome. Now I was a new Christian and my list was super long. Pick something and even if you don't think it was on my list, it probably was. As we were going around the circle I was thinking "What can I say that doesn't sound too bad." Well, the lady next to me just happened to be the Pastor's wife and when it was her turn she said "I'd like to stop eating so many sweets."

Are you kidding me? That was what she wanted to overcome? I wanted to say "Excuse me, can you pick something that is actually a real thing? Who the heck cares about that? I am looking at a list here that would make you run screaming from the room and you are talking about sweets!"

I will never forget that. What I didn't know then and thankfully I know now is that to God we are all a new creation. When we say I believe in Jesus, he sees us as already changed. I was looking inside (and of course at everyone's outside) and comparing myself to them. God doesn't do that. He sees us all the same. No matter what your struggle is or what my struggle is, God isn't comparing them and saying "WOW, look at her list. That's pretty steep while this other person's list is easy." He isn't doing that. He's saying "Look at all my kids! Aren't they marvelous!?"

As you continue your walk with God, know that he sees you right where you are and loves you perfectly. Your worth in his eyes has nothing to do with what you are or are not doing. It has everything to do with your desire to follow him. You see, to God you are already perfect. You have been perfected by the love of Jesus.