Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. Psalm 119:5-6
If I were a Jew in the time of Jesus, I'm sure I would have been a Pharisee. In their own strength, they chased righteousness. But there is no one who can consider all God's commands without feeling a bit ashamed. Truly, our hearts deceive us to think we can do it without Him. Every man has fallen short of God's glory.
So why do I keep feeling like I have to do all the work?
Lord, I want to start a recovery group. It will be called "Perfectionists Anonymous." The only problem is that anyone who showed up for meetings would probably complain because the group didn't live up to his own vision of perfection. And worse, the group's motto would probably be, "I did it my way!" No one would stick around for long.
The sad thing is... This describes many churches in America today.
Father, open our eyes to Your grace. Your decrees are precious, yet on our own, they are completely unattainable. Chasing the righteousness that comes with the law will run us in circles; it can never be caught. Our only hope is Jesus. The world needs to know that. Help us to be accepting as You are accepting. Forgive us as we fall short.
Make me more like You.