The Real Me

Well it’s been somewhat of a blogging drought recently, a few weeks since I last jotted down some thoughts. Been pretty busy in work, weeks fly by without even realising. This is my day off from work as I have lots of flexi hours that have to be used, and I find myself spending the day studying for a MCSE exam. Between that, preparing stuff for bible class, helping out with BB and Youth Club and football, my time for blogging is somewhat limited. Likewise my time spent in commune with my Heavenly Father is somewhat rushed and limited also, and this is of greater concern. Hence I’ve taken some time-out for a while to wait in His presence, something that has been sadly lacking in my life of late. Day by day God reminds me of the beauty of his creation, he lavishes his grace unto my life, he calls me by name; but so often I’m too busy to listen. So today I’ve taken that time, waking up to snow-covered fields, listening to his voice in word and song, and contemplating now a few thoughts that have been on my mind of late.
We were at the Clay concert with some of the youth, really good night where we were ministered to through some honest and thought provoking songs of worship in the bands own lively and unique way. The sense of honesty and reality in their portrayal of the Christian life was refreshing, openly admitting struggles and disappointments they had experienced, a message todays young people need to hear. In todays world of Reality-TV, Virtual-Reality gaming and the post-modern “This is my truth, tell me Yours” mindset; it is becoming increasingly difficult for our young people to discern the truth from the many voices seeking to gain ownership of their lives. And that’s why I believe the relational foundation is vital in what we seek to do with this generation, building bridges into their lives, and bringing a sense of reality to the Christian life we seek to proclaim to them. Its not just about pointing them in the right direction, but walking alongside them and gently guiding them along the way. Actual Reality Christians who are a part of their lives, who genuinely care for their well being on both a spiritual and physical level, and who are prepared to share their lives in an open and honest manner: flaws and all. Jesus was a people person after all, more interested in the one to one than the massive crowds, and it's His example we are to follow.
On a personal note Gods really been challenging me about the real me, yeah on the outside in the public domain I can say and do the right things, but what about the real me. God often stresses that it’s not the outer that He’s concerned with, but the inside. If my thoughts were both audible and visible could I stand unashamed, if my lusts and desires, the snide comments, the things I do and think when no-one else is around were there for all to see would I be so proud to call myself a “good-person”. That’s why I despise the term “good-living”, I’m as guilty as the next wretched sinner, and it’s only by the grace of God and the salvation of Christ that I can dare to call Him Father.
What’s so amazing is that it’s the Real me that God sees, warts and all, and he pours his grace upon me to pardon my sin because of Jesus who paid the price at Calvary. Not that He condones or approves of my sin, it sickens Him as it does me, and He promises by His Spirit to change my impure heart, cleansing it by the blood of the Lamb.
Thank you Father, cleanse me afresh, empower me by your Spirit to live a life that is holy and pure, remove the smear of sin from my innermost being. Sorry for everything I’ve done against you. Help me make you the priority in my life.