Just Get Closer
It is filled with case studies of people who are trying to get better and just can't, who want to change and hold that change but simply aren't.
Season 5, Episode 20 · Just Get Closer
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The story behind the idea
One of them came a year or two later when I taught Edwin Crozier's book on grace here at the Lindell Church. It is filled with case studies of people who are trying to get better and just can't, who want to change and hold that change but simply aren't able to do so. In the examples, the elders or parents or friends told them to just get better.
What stands out
We really just talked about the idea that still holds that everyone who belongs to God should be seeking to improve. I'm pretty sure we're all humble enough to know that we need to improve. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church, which was a great church, maybe the best church that he wrote to, and he complimented them on their faith, hope, and love, and then he said, Let's excel in that.
Why it matters
You may, if you're not careful, send a message that people need to do that on their own to prove their faith, and then God will reach out and hold them. Ultimately, if people just find a way to get better enough, you'll reach this level where you're good enough to be saved. Again, I did not believe that in 2009 or 2019 or today, but I do think I and maybe other presenters of the word have sent those signals in an imbalanced fashion.
A faithful way forward
I have directly experienced that, not only by looking in the mirror, but genuinely looking at other people. What do we do about all of this, this reality that none is righteous, not even one?
Put it into practice
Pray for cleansing, pray for wisdom, James one, pray for the fruit of the Spirit to exist in you from Galatians 5. Pray to be changed because everyone needs to be changed in the sense that we will always be somewhat short of the great image of Jesus. I think that's one of the problems with the people who are right with the wrong motives.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.