The last couple weeks I’ve felt pretty good. So much “better than.” Maybe you have too.
I’m in Washington D.C. this week where everyone is angry with Congress and thankful they’re not one of “them”.
In the past few weeks I’ve also thought, “Boy I’m glad I’m not Miley Cyrus! Or basically any of the Kardashians. Or Honey Boo Boo’s mom. Or Anthony Wiener.”
Each of them has had their mistakes broadcast, ridiculed, autopsied. Their intellect, integrity, and wisdom were brought into question.
My response? “Phew! Glad I dodged those bullets!”
“Can’t BELIEVE they were so stupid, evil, clueless, out-of-control…whatever…bless their heart.” (I add that last part cuz I’m a Christian don’tcha know)
“I would NEVER have…”
And I felt just a little better about myself, focusing on THEM. You know THEM. All the others who I compare myself to who are much worse than I am.
Or not. Maybe my sins are just…different.
And more easily hidden.
What if the ugly stuff of my life (or yours) was replayed (over, and over, and over again) on the Today Show for millions to dissect and comment on what they would have done differently?
All this his has prompted me to return to an ancient prayer practice called the Jesus Prayer or the prayer of the heart.
Each time I hear something about someone else’s sin, I’m trying to use it as a prompt to pray the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Have you tried this prayer practice? I resisted it initially. How does this help our quest to have a better self-image?? And who likes using the word SINNER??!! But I am one (and I hate to draw attention to this, but there’s a chance you might be too.) And in praying this it’s a reminder that I’m dependent on the reconciling work of Jesus. Just like Miley Cyrus. Stretching muscles of humility, centering, worship…
I haven’t bailed on my marriage after a few months like Kim Kardashian, but I’ve bailed on other commitments. Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.
I haven’t covered up sexual sin, but I haven’t always confronted injustice. Lord have mercy.
I may not have said inappropriate words, but instead, insensitive ones. Lord have mercy.
Thankfully, at least this week, my sins aren’t being played on national television, but…Lord have mercy. I’m still a sinner in need of grace.
What a blessing of God that we CAN call our failures sin! If we don’t… or can’t… or won’t, they continue to hang around our neck like an albatross. If we DO or CAN or WILL call them ‘sin’, we have an advocate Who came to release the albatross! Thank you, Jesus!
Amen Charlie!
Thanks. I needed to hear this today.
Glad you found it timely!