"It is sadly possible that before we became a Christian, we understand that our salvation is by faith and not works. But after we became a Christian, we think that we have to work in order to become a godly person. We may not say that, but we believe it is true when we begin to put our assurance in the Christian services that we do..."It is a scary thought to think that it is possible for me to find my identity in what I do rather than what Christ has done, especially as a youth worker. And I know I am falling for it when I find myself changing and making slight adjustments so as to avoid people passing negative comments about my behavior and actions. (e.g. Do I go to church on time so that the leaders will not "nag" at me? Do I have my Q.T so that when people question, I can say with confidence that "Yes, I did it"?) It is sadly possible than that I am living for man's approval and not God's when I think this way.
Just as was mentioned during one of the sermons,
"Repentance is not about making slight adjustments, it is about uprooting the root of the problem..."I guess as sinful humans who are wicked in our mind, we would find ourselves conforming to the structure we are in in order to look "normal" and avoid trouble. But conforming to the structure need not necessarily mean that our hearts are sanctified and changed. It just makes one think that he/she is ok as long as he/she follow what the structure demands. But God is not looking for conformists, He is looking for men and women who are aware of their sinful condition before a holy God and truly desires to repent in order to please Him and Him ALONE.
May I live to be a man who seeks the approval of God and God alone...
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