The wheat and the tare (Matthew 13:24-29), Peter and Judas, wolves in sheep’s clothing……yikes, let me just put it out there: I’m a sinner, y’all. Confession Sunday. I grew up Catholic, so I’ve done a lot of Rosary prayers. Let me tell you how much I need God’s righteousness to heal me and take over my heart, mind, and soul. Let’s pause and level the playing ground—with all due respect from the Pastors to Ministers; from the Staff to Ushers; from the people who stood to give their lives to Christ today, we all have sin in common. We also all have access to a Redeemer!

Romans 5:17
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

I’m a Public Health social worker with a clinical license, two Master’s Degrees (well as of next week when I graduate from Moody Theological Seminary- pause for a spiritual victory dance), and still none of that can remove my stained garments. No matter how many times I wipe tables in Bridgekids, speak to the youth or women, volunteer, or talk about the goodness of God, I’m still a sinner. So what do I do:

Throw in the cards, give up the gamut, accept my unworthiness?
or
Do I volunteer more often, act like I have no past, quote scriptures, and walk on the air of my born-again free will to choose a righteous life because, after all, I’ve been saved and sanctified?

Neither of the above is the path according to the Word of God.

Do you know how many times I’ve been told by unbelievers they can’t stand Christians because we are so hypocritical and self-righteous? It breaks my heart as I look in the mirror, asking God many questions:

  • Am I among the hypocrites; am I a Pharisee?
  • Am I walking on an air that puts my joyous moment of being saved on a pedestal, so that I’ve lost the humility of the One who actually saved me?
  • Have I wiped tables so long that I forget to pray over every chair, thinking of each child who sits in need of a good God to guide and protect them?
  • Do I stand greeting partners and guests at the “hotel” of Bridgeway with such routine that I forget they may need the “hospital” of Bridgeway that Sunday, with my heart far from my assignment?
  • Or do I just want to be seen as righteous because I know the laws, and God forbid someone dig up the skeletons of my past, because my current sins don’t seem so bad anymore?

Listen, friends, I need God every hour. Without His righteousness, faithfulness, and grace, I am but a conduit of the enemy. But if I surrender, when I surrender daily, I see His power, redemption, and righteousness alive in my weak existence.

If I were born in Biblical times, I would probably not be a Mary… after all, I am Martha. My homies would be King David, Paul, the woman with the issue of blood, the woman at the well, Noah—yeah, the rest of those great sinner examples—they would be my friends (insert the song, I Am a Friend of God here to balance the message).

When I volunteer, I become a conduit of a miracle-working God. Every trash can emptied, dish washed, table wiped, email sent, or anything that He allows me to do becomes a miraculous moment of divine relationship and presence for His Spirit to move and touch me and whomever I encounter. And in turn, He blesses this sinner despite my sin.

Now come on y’all, that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—a miracle-working God.

We don’t have to be hypocritical; we don’t have to be ashamed; we don’t have to miss the opportunity to pour out our experience of God’s love to others. May we step away from any pedestals, and may we not run away from our calling because we sin. May we Give God Glory, tap into our purpose, grow deeper, and let God use us to build bridges.

So if you see me smiling walking into the house of God, know it’s because I’m a sinner, y’all, and I’d rather be a doorkeeper in the House of God than dwell with evildoers (Psalm 84:10).

So smile back and let me know when you are ready to serve God with your sinning-self, lol. Or if you are serving and you are convicted to come off a pedestal, I love you, and God loves you more!

Get blessed and sign up to serve Him today. It will bless you and others. If you already serve, may your heart be cheerful through every adversity. Let Him use your skills for His glory, or receive the gift of humility by doing something that connects you to grace. I do not own stocks in Bridgeway so don’t consider this insider trading (Get it? I’m Martha Stuart! Laugh please, ‘cause we need it). I just really love my church, I am grateful for how God saved me, and I’m excited about what He will do for you or someone you are praying for!

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