yeah, but

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.  

1 John 2:3-5

Every Sunday in this country, churches are filled with professing Christians. (Well, in most states, they can’t legally be “filled”—so we’ll just pretend it’s 2019 again.) And, whether in-person or virtually, men and women attend weekly Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and small groups. We post Bible verses on social media platforms and throw “Christianese” into our conversations with other believers. And we probably have one or two Bible apps on our phone, literally carrying the Bible with us at all times.

But here’s a challenging question for us Bible-believing followers of Jesus—a soul-searching, plank-in-the-eye-plucking assessment: Does our life really reflect what we say we believe? Don’t get me wrong. We all sin (miss the mark). Every day. But in knowing the Truth and, having the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, do we walk through our days with the intention of following Jesus’s example? Just as the great Apostle Paul admittedly struggled, we want to do what’s right, but we don’t…we want to avoid doing what’s wrong, but we do it anyway (Romans 7:15-25). But the key here is that we recognize it! We’re quickly convicted when those arrows of thoughts, words, or actions not only miss the Biblical bullseye, but fly right past the target.

The confrontation to all of us is not about the daily endeavor for righteousness in serving and glorifying our holy God. Rather, we need to look in the mirror for the excused sins, those choices we make—in secret or for the world to see—that are clearly antithetical to the Bible we profess to believe. Maybe you and your boyfriend are living together. Although you know this isn’t aligned with God’s Word, it’s ok for you because it “makes financial sense” or “his lease ran out, and we’re not getting married until next year.” Perhaps it’s that provocative TV series that we can’t wait to indulge in nightly. Yeah, it’s got profuse sex themes and scenes, but “it’s a great story” and “the character development is well written.” 

Brothers and sisters, let’s search our heart, mind, and daily walk for our “yeah but” ways. And once identified, let’s repent—turn back—to realign ourselves with God’s precious Word. Not only will it be for our good, but we’ll rightly reflect the One we claim to serve.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Show me where I am making excuses to live my own way and not Yours and help me turn back.