Religion = Perfectionsim

I’m what I like to affectionately call…a recovering perfectionist. There, I said it.

It’s so rewarding to me when I hit those days where I feel like I nailed it. I got the landing. I didn’t get frustrated with this person. I was patient despite insane Florida drivers.

But to be honest, those days where I feel like I got it are few and far between.

They’re of the same frequency as say…a solar eclipse.

But this is the problem. Another word could be used here: Religion.

Religion and our human efforts are what the Law is all about. And the entire point of the Law was to show us that “no human being will be justified through the works of the law.” What are those works if not the tedious works of a well-intended disciple who time and time again attempts to be good enough but cannot?

Religion demands perfection. Relationship with God is about progression.

The kingdom is about excellence, not perfection.

It’s why we needed Jesus.

This whole concept of justification by faith hit me fresh just recently as I am studying Romans. Taking the “Romans Road” every so often reminds me of what the Gospel is. In case you haven’t been told lately, the Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ.

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. - Romans 3v21-22

The Gospel is not about us. The Gospel is about Him.

And when Jesus became a man, He did what we could not do: He was good enough. He fulfilled the law. He stuck the landing every, single, day.

Now, we are as holy as Jesus.

Through our works?

No, through His.

So how does this translate to our relationship with God in our daily lives?

Because now the door into His heart is always open.

Jesus is the Door. His blood made a way. And when we accept by faith, we become as pure as the Son Himself.

No more up-and-down relationship with God.

No more trying to earn His presence.

No more trying to get back to where you were before you sinned.

No more slavery to sin or fear of abandonment.

Take a deep breath and give thanks for the righteousness you and I have been given.

Now, it’s not about the sweat.

Now, it’s about His blood.