Sloppy Performance or Rebellion?

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 KJV)

Fallen.  Having trouble getting back up.  I know exactly what tripped me up.  It is right back there.  I can still see it from here.  Likely to trip me up again if I do not watch closely for it.  I really wish God would take that away.  Is leaving it there really necessary?  A question that begs a bigger question.  Where is my heart?  Was I about His business and did not pay attention to it’s full poisonous potential, or was I quoting doc Holiday, “I have not yet begun to defile myself”?  

What do I really believe?  According to Romans 4:3’s account of Abraham, what I believe counts for a whole lot.  I have heard several teach about how sloppy Abraham’s performance was at several big events in his life.  Yet, it was his belief that was counted and somehow his belief was apparent even through all the stories about him.  So what does this big blanket of grace cover?  The many transgressions of those who have faith in Jesus.  As embarrassing, humiliating, and as vulnerable as we feel after a sloppy performance; it is a very different pill than rebellion.  Do you want to get back up and finish the race that God has set for you, or do you want to get better at your performance for the sake of being a better actor?  As long as we are in pit stop mode anyway, it is worth taking that moment to really think about it.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2 KJV)