You Will Never Measure Up so STOP Trying!!!

You Will Never Measure Up so STOP Trying!!!

Titus 3:5-8 “3-8 It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.” (The Message Bible Version)

I believe as Christians many of us have become accustomed to following a bunch of spiritual rules and because of that we often place ourselves in one box and those that we feel don’t measure up in box all by themselves.  I know this is something I struggled and still at times struggle with.  In hindsight; it is basically having the same level of expectation for others as you have for yourself, but it may project differently to others.  This was/is huge  for me; not necessarily because I wanted to condemn those Christians who didn’t get it, but I simply desired for others to live a God centered life consistently.  What I failed to really pay attention to is that living a God centered life is not about spiritual rules.  It is so much more than that and if we only pay attention to how many rules are followed; we will miss out on seeing God actually live in and work through ourselves and others for that matter.  Those of us who share this same passion often find ourselves in this awkward place of discomfort and what we fail to realize is that regardless of where we are in Christ or in life, being consistent vice following a lot of rules is what we should strive for.   We already know that none of us will equate to perfection but working on being consistent should be our focus.  This is not a disclaimer for us to fall by the way side, but more so for us to reevaluate our own lives and activities to make sure we are being consistently constant in our walk.  I know life throws a curve at times and some of our lives are very demanding hence being able to do what Sister Julie does on a regular may not be ideal for you and I, so no need to  feel condemned or as if you don’t measure up. 

There are many things that you do every single day that represents your spiritual walk, growth and life in God, but many don’t realize it.  For instance; my mother who is 74years old takes care of my aging 92 year old grandmother who has dementia.  So ideally, it isn’t as easy for her to go to worship service or bible study every week or spend hours studying her bible and in prayer because she cares for my grandmother around the clock and that alone takes a great deal of energy, strength and continuity.  Can I let you in on a secret?  This is service unto the Lord and God is pleased with this type of spiritual activity.  If I can remember correctly, the bible does say that we are to take care of those that are sick, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and so forth and so on.  Well, this is exactly what she is doing in caring for her aging mother.  To bring it even closer to home and maybe more relatable for many of you; a single mother with small children who works or perhaps going back to school to create a better life for her and her children may not be able to meet all the spiritual check points in the same way a single woman or married woman who has no children or further obligation, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t saved in the same way or that her life doesn’t measure up as a Christian.  What we tend to focus on are the works or the rule book per say and not the spiritual activity.

(Vision board party from our Empowerment Seminar with other sisters in Christ.. this is spiritual activity. Habakkuk 2:2 "says write the vision and make it plain"..we were assisting others in doing just that, so that they can pursue their purpose in Christ)

The point I am trying to make is that there are many things that we do daily that contribute to our spiritual growth and walk.  It may not be as evident to some as it is to others, but when you pause and reflect on your life and are able to connect the dots to see how what you do daily is in hindsight spiritual activity, you will be relieved of some of the pressure in measuring up. Try to stay away from comparing your walk in God with that of others because this can become detrimental to your spiritual growth and maturity.  In fact, when you compare; it can kills spiritual growth.  None of us will ever be on the same spiritual level and that is ok, but that does not mean that because your life does not look like my life; you are not spiritual or the right type of Christian for that matter.

We cannot view external behaviors and devotional practices to measure our spiritual health or level.  Some will always measure how early they get up to read and pray and how long their quiet times are or how often they attend church.  That is a part of it but that is definitely not the end all be all of being a Christian.  I believe more importantly being consistent in our walk with God and allowing our Faith to inform our life, as Christian artist, Lecrae puts it is what counts.  If you are a Christian; your lifestyle will reflect that!!!

(Spending quality time with my son, Gee.  This is spiritual activity and service unto God. When you display love toward your children; it counts as spiritual activity.  I am showing him the value of spending quality time with those you love.  Our children are heritage from the Lord - Psalms 127:3-5)

(My son, Gee and I working out together. He understands the value and importance of taking care of his temple, so that he can operate in his God given purpose.  This is spiritual activity in our obedience to the Word as it relates to taking care of our temple and in teaching our children accordingly- Proverbs 22:6; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Be encouraged in knowing that your service to God stems from your heart not a rule book or checklist of activities. Spiritual growth is moving toward God’s best version of who you are.  It’s about your relationship with Christ, not rule-keeping!

~Treal Ravenel

(from left to right: me, my mother, sister,Sharron and sister, Karron)