Don't Ever Let Anyone Tell You You Are A Throwaway Person

 

 

Our sermon today,
in the This is My Story series was on the
Sin of the Religious Spirit

Instead of becoming more like Jesus,
you become mean.
You know so much about the Bible and the rules,
you do everything "right".
It isn't about what Jesus did for you anymore  but about
what you are doing correctly.
In your own eyes.

Pastor gave one example of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14

I am paraphrasing here:

The Pharisee goes into the temple and thanks God that he is not like other people:
the tax collector, the evil doer, the alcoholic. the fornicator, the homosexual, the person who doesn't attend church regularly, the Harry Potter movie watchers, the casino players, the four letter word droppers...etc
you get my point.

The other man could not even look up to God
"forgive me God for I am a sinner."




We are all sinners. 
Ways in which we disappoint God
Period.
We all have sins that are different from anyone else's sins.

One of the most hurtful of these was brought to my attention this afternoon.
Someone went out to dinner an had a few drinks.
Some others present made it their business to make him feel badly about himself.
Not to his face, but in statements that were in a joking manner.
In looks across the table, with eyebrows raised.
Good Christian people.

This is why we have such a bad reputation, folks.
Now, I am far from perfect,
and am learning lots about giving grace to others
because of the Grace given to me.
It is not up to me to judge anyone on how they live their lives.
I'm sure I could find as many sins in someone else's life, as they could find in mine.
They probably could find more in my life.
Why can't everyone just be more tea.

But get this:
NO MATTER WHAT PAIN AND MISTAKES ARE IN YOUR LIFE,
THEY DO NOT MAKE YOU A THROW AWAY PERSON!

YOU ARE A BELOVED CHILD OF GOD!
There is nothing that can ever change that!
EVER!

(Thank you Lysa Terkeurst)

Remember that!
Remember that we all fail.
Know that they may be lashing out because they are hurting, or just jerks.
God loves jerks too.
But you do not have to bear their mark, nor doubt yourself.
You are only responsible for your own actions.
Thank God for that.
I would hate to be responsible for anyone else.
(And it's taken me quite a long time to figure that one out!)

Do the best you can.
Leave the rest to Him.
He can handle it!
I promise you!
He promises you.