“Instead of seeing one’s sin and failure in the light of grace, recognizing it as an opportunity to seek God, abide, and know his transforming presence, we shut down because we cannot handle the truth about what our life has become. The truth feels too scary for us because we are still trusting ultimately in ourselves.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“If Christ is put aside, and I look only at myself, then I am done for.”- Martin Luther
Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 6 of When God Seems Distant as they discuss two tests that quickly reveal moralism in the heart.
Test #1: Consider what happens when sin convicts you. Certainly, Kyle and John underscore, it’s good to be convicted by sin. Sin should convict us. However, if your first and abiding response centers on working harder, then you’re a moralist. Because, the authors note, moralism drives us to turn to our works as an answer for our sin or need. Instead of turning to Christ.
In addition, this test often reveals two lies: first, that we can fix our life, and, second, that God really wants us to fix our life. Hence, we find it easier to trust ourselves than to trust Christ. so, the moralist seeks to get past sin and brokenness. Rather than see them.
Test #2: Seeing one’s sin and failure in the light of grace. Or do you shut down because you cannot handle the truth of what your life has become. Therefore, we find the truth scary because we still trust ultimately in ourselves.
Thus, this core dynamic animates the moralist, who cannot bear:
- the awareness of being a failure
- the awareness of shame and guilt.
- to see weakness.
Finally, Kyle and John counsel:
“We are tempted to read that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9), underline it in our Bibles, but continue to live and minister in our strength because we cannot bear entering into the truth.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you see your sin and failure in the light of grace? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s infallible voice: conscience?”