I’m Redeemed … SO …

I had the most lovely and edifying conversation with a friend today. (It turns out that she and I have the same “in-network” cell phone coverage so Yay! Even my tiny (tiniest available) cell phone minutes each month won’t have to be eaten up.)

During the call, she was reflecting on how the Lord may be calling her to minister to her unsaved family members. (Parents, siblings, etc.) Her childhood had a lot of struggles and sorrow, and now as an adult, she and her husband are prayerfully considering how God might be ministering His grace to her family through them. (It’s not pleasant to intentionally engage in these difficult relationships, is it?)

One thing that sticks out in my mind from the call is this exchange:

– My friend: “But I’m redeemed — so shouldn’t I be able to visit these childhood locations without fear? Shouldn’t I be able to go to them and minister Christ?”
– Me: “So … I’m redeemed so I should be perfect?“
– My friend: “Ahhhh … yes, that’s what it’s so easy to think, isn’t it?”
– Me: “Yes. I do it all the time. But I know Christ! So shouldn’t I be always be able to love the unloveable, have joy and peace and patience regardless of my circumstance, and minister Hope and Love all the time?“
– My friend: “Yeah. Sounds silly when you say it like that. Of course that’s not Christianity.”

What is Christianity?

NOT: “I am redeemed, so now I’d better be perfect.” NO!!!!!

Christianity — The Gospel says … I am redeemed … so that means that God, Who is rich in mercy, has granted me the gracious, merciful gifts of repentance and faith to believe on His Son, Jesus.

I am redeemed … so that means that regardless of my ups & downs, struggles & successes & failures, great faith or areas of unbelief … Christ is for me! God rescues me, leads me, comforts me, guides me, forgives me. Not because of me! But because of His mercy and His glory.

God brings glory to Himself by saving a sinner like me.

Amen and amen.
Thank You, God.
And thank you, my dear friend, for reminding me of the gospel of Jesus Christ.