21 Oct 2010
Be you
Forget measuring up
I had a very thought-provoking discussion with a friend today.
He was talking about the feeling that he had to “measure up” to a picture he had in his head.
As we talked I realised that most of us have that kind of picture in our head.. of how we are meant to be.
We will never measure up to that picture.
I am interested that a theme of John chapter 8 seems to be coming to terms with the part of us that wants to measure up.
The chapter starts in verses 1 to 11, with the story of a woman caught in adultery, Jesus invites the person without sin to cast the first stone. Instead of a standard to reach, she finds grace.
Then, in verses 12 to 30 the Jews try to get Jesus to measure up to the standards they think are important. He doesn’t, and he shows them that their standards aren’t important.
Jesus then makes one of my favourite statements in the bible:
John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
It is a wonderful discovery that we don’t have to measure up to some impossible standard.
Our real task in life is to be ourselves, nothing more and nothing less.
The truth really is about freedom…. and its the only real path to freedom.
the picture on the outside looks ok but underneath its all falling apart, the need is to project that image while underneath all is falling apart because one does not measure up
alex
October 21st, 2010 at 11:45 pmpermalink
This is what I need to remember!!!
sheryle schmode
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:35 ampermalink