Every day I carry guilt like an extra limb. It is part of me, dictating what I do, say, and feel. It is a funny thing because I wouldn’t describe myself as especially heinous or diabolical, simply trying to live my best life in the best way I know how. Yet, I still feel as if others are plotting against me or I have created some unforgivable offense they never mention.
Guilt thrives in paranoia and I am one step away from questioning the moon landing. I rarely take breaks or days off in fear of being labeled unproductive (deeds religion) or lazy. I then serve people out of fear, or attempting to win them over, instead of a pure heart. So if I am honest, I more than likely have served you for ME and not for YOU.
Yikes.
Often I ignore the thoughts of others by assigning what I believe them to think. “They are afraid to tell me how they feel.”
As you can imagine, this is a ridiculous way to live. Experts say that we would be surprised if we really knew how little time people actually think about us. Many would even rate us favorably if life was a living social media app. Yet, pessimists like me (I concede “pessimist” although I would say “realist” . . . . a negative “realist”, but a “realist” all the same) will find the negative in anything.
Where does this come from? Maybe it is low self-esteem or history, but we have all made at least a pit-stop if not a home in this frame of thinking.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – Romans 8:1
This is the most underrated Truth in all of the Bible for those who struggle with misplaced guilt. It is a leap of faith to honestly believe “no condemnation” means “no condemnation”. We look for loopholes, but there are none. Jesus would not rescue us only to hold it over our heads for eternity. When He saves, He saves on His own accord and without hesitation or bias. He is not waiting in the shadows ready to pounce on the first offense. His system of justice is true and His motivations are pure. We can trust our savior like no one else.
Today, lay aside the guilt knowing Christ no longer keeps record. Quote Romans 8:1. Let this be your life verse. Trust there is no club that meets twice a month to discuss your failings and odd fashion sense. In this life, there might just be more life guards than sharks.
Matt simon blog 