1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV
[11] Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Dear God, I absolutely believe in choosing to abstain from sinful desires, but I also think it’s important to admit when we’ve failed. As I get ready to speak to a group of men this weekend, the thing that keeps coming to me is that I don’t want to come off as holy and perfect. I don’t want to be impressive. I want at least some of them to find something from the struggles through which you have brought me that will speak to them and give them hope in you.
It’s always interesting to try to find that line. One of the interesting things about my job is that I end up being publicly recognized for doing good works. And I get too much of the credit for the hard work of my coworkers. I don’t know how much of an effective example for you I can be in that light. Yes, I can use my position to encourage others in how much they serve the community, but my best moment with a donor last year was when they came for a tour and our conversation turned to our struggles as parents.
Father, you make me strong through my weaknesses. Of course, none of that would be possible with Jesus’ love and redemption. Without that I am nowhere. But I have your grace and that helps me to deal with my weaknesses and sins honestly and then use them to help draw others to you. Help me to do that, both this weekend at the retreat and every day.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Emails to God 