It started as a simple conversation. A discussion, if you will. A discussion addressing ways I had been wronged and how I was not involved in any of the fault. Because really, who ever thinks they’re at fault. We can say, I know I’m partially to blame for this, but do we really mean it?
I wanted to hold onto my anger. I wanted to cradle anger in my arms like a newborn and feed it until it grew into the justification I needed to WHOMP on my accuser. But when the accuser loves you and admits fault [and really means it], how can you not forgive?
Admitting the truth is hard for me sometimes. Especially if the truth is about me. My natural inclination is to find all the reasons under the sun as to why I’m justified and, quite honestly, not wrong.
But in the moments following the discussion, I was struck by a question: why do you feel you have to be perfect? It wasn’t asked to be combative. In fact, it wasn’t asked for any other reason than for sincerity. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want the quiver in voice to betray my stone-cold demeanor. But the question stung like a summertime bee.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forget what kind of man he was. —James 1:23-24
I know I have issues with perfectionism. But what does it matter if I recognize this issue, yet do nothing to change it?! James cautions us to take a look at ourselves—and change what isn’t good. Basically, there has to be a reconciliation with ourselves; an honest look at where we fall short.
If you will be joining in tonight’s lesson on James 2:14-26, make sure you’ve read the full text beginning from chapter one. Then tune in live at 7PM [pacific standard time] by clicking HERE. Just as a forwarning, I think we need to have a “discussion” tonight. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my volume and sassy attitude down to a minimum 😉 Promise!
A few questions from last week’s homework to answer:
- What are ways you can put your faith into action?
- When can it start?
- List ways you can reach out to someone in need in your immediate circumstances?
- How do faith and works go together in my life?
I'm oh so very excited about tonight's Bible study!!! I agree. I am exactly the same way I like to know I'm right, but when I'm wrong I still want to be right. And very true, if we know about it, but do nothing, then what does it matter? Have a blessed day!!! 🙂
Tara, thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one 🙂
I just love your blog entries because as I sit here in front of the monitor, I find myself "acting out" your descriptive words until I realized I was doing a Stevie Wonder, so-to-speak. Thank you for your candor, in all subject matters…
If possible, would you be able to post the "You Tube" version (if available) of your studies as you did with week 1? There may be some that do not have iTunes access. Thank you 🙂
That is SUCH a good idea! But I'm not sure YouTube can handle the length of the lesson. They are about 55 minutes EACH?! Yikes!
Any suggestions?
I've watched YouTube whereby it's labeled, Part 1, Part 2, so on and so forth. Maybe post the first video and link to your YouTube site for the rest.
Anyone else have ideas?
If I can be cynical for a moment…
why do you feel you have to be perfect?
It's because our society has reached a point that if you're not perfect you will be verbally and emotionally assaulted and will have people use your mistakes as a way to degrade or lessen you for their own gain. We feel the need to protect ourselves more and more because we're no longer at a point in society where people will step up and do the right thing when they see someone being wronged. We've become a society that doesn't want to get involved because we don't want the hassle of having to deal with the same person who might be wronging another person.
We are more alike than you know my friend. Am looking forward to tonight… see you then! 😉
thank you for writing this.
my head does that cobra thing too btw 😉
Wooo…great blog BB…looking forward to tonight!
Oh yes…I feel your pain! Need to catch up and watch last week’s video! 😉
yep, i can kinda see your head slithering back and forth. =)
oh, btw, you've inspired me to begin james. love you.
there's an aa-adage that goes, 'would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?' i think, for me, i just want to know that i'm *heard*. and considered. and respected. (and right.) yipes with the perfection-comment, though. i would have done the same thing you did. and then i would have come home and cried alone. i know i'm not perfect and i know others know i'm not perfect…but i don't want others to point out my condition to me, no matter how much i trust their love for me. oo. i wish you hadn't posted this.
but i'm glad you did.
xo
I've so been there… like about 15 minutes ago… with my hubs. Oh wait… this isn't time for true confessionals 🙂
Read James a while back – put it conveniently in the past. A'hem.
perhaps I need to pull it out again 🙂 Blessings on your study tonite!!
Wow girl!! You were so on point tonight and God really spoke to me and showed me a lot. I definitely have been slacking off in my life and James really is giving me the kick in the booty that I need! 🙂 Thank you for doing this study I know that many people are going to be saved and because of them, many more will come to the Lord. Also, I did the same thing saying I would pray for someone and then didn't, but now I do the same thing you do, I pray either right then or write it down so I don't forget. Please be in prayer my family and I. It very much appreciated!!! I truly love you, my beautiful sister in Christ!! Keep doing what you do!!! 🙂 Stay blessed!!
Just got done watching the podcast of last night's study. The last 15 min were exactly what i needed although i am not sure yet what I need to do / am going to do about it. I have become the "perfect" person i have always hated. Thank you for having the guts to go there.
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