Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Recently, I’ve been trying to figure out what steps to take next with my second book since I haven’t had success connecting with a literary agent or publisher. In this season of waiting, I’ve reached out to several authors to ask for their advice. I’m grateful for each piece of advice I’ve received from them, but there’s one specific piece of advice that really stood out to me—and I want to share it with you.
My pride says, "Grace, your book could encourage so many young women as they recover from their eating disorders." My pride says, "There's so much potential for your book; you'd be famous if people knew about it." My pride says, "Your book could be a bestseller if only people would let you promote it." But as I focus on my book and my platform and my lack of success, I quickly drown in discouragement. Perhaps I need to focus less on my efforts and focus more on God’s will.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am Grace in this story. However, unlike my name, I'm often lacking in grace for myself and for others.
I have a really bad habit of thinking these terrible, mean thoughts. I have a thought life that would make your skin crawl. Why are my thoughts about others so ugly and dirty?
The focus of this poem is pride—a sin that is addressed many times in Scripture yet is often treated lightly by Christians. Sadly, many Christians focus more on building their platforms and being in the spotlight than on glorifying God. But that's not what we're called to do, friends. We're called to humble ourselves and point people to Christ alone.
I believe that everything in life—especially the Christian’s life—is a balance. There’s a balance between being unwilling to use our gifts from God and being too willing to use them. You know what I mean by “too willing.” Basically, it means having an egotistical, superior attitude. Which category do you fit into?
How should we respond to the people who are different than us? After all, aren’t we supposed to treat everyone equally? Aren’t we not supposed to judge people? In a word, yes.
I'm quick to note the sins of society and my friends and my family, but I’m slow to note my own failings. I don’t realize how much I sin in a day, but I do it more times than I can count. I don’t realize how many things I think, say, and do that displease God.
Remember that God wants the best thing for you. Even though it feels good to indulge and have a little “sin party” sometimes, it will just make you want to keep sinning. It’s harder to stop once you’ve started. Keep that in mind when you’re tempted to give into a little rebellion.
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