SAVED PEOPLE STILL NEED A SAVIOR
I thought I “dropped the mic” with last month’s “I quit drinking” testimony.
But then someone dropped a comment bomb.
“I was shocked to learn that Nikki had a drinking problem.”
Being the mature, self-controlled Christian that I am, I exploded.
“I did NOT have a drinking PROBLEM!” I shook my fists at the ceiling and slammed my laptop shut.
Drinking problem? Who me?
A devout Christian. Prayer warrior. Bible thumper. Christian author.
By the world’s standards, I didn’t have a problem with drinking.
By God’s standards, I had a problem with me.
I replayed how I got there.
Jesus said, Put your wine glass down.
Because He’s God, I knew He was right.
Because I’m human, I struggled to agree.
Why did I feel I had to justify myself to anyone, especially the King of kings?
The next day, I opened my Bible to 1 John 1:8:
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
Oh.
Turns out, even saved people need a Savior.
Because the definition of sin is staggering:
Any action contrary to God’s will.
Any inaction toward His commands.
Little sins are bigger problems than most of us care to admit.
Alcohol gets the boot. Then pride, denial, and comparison pull up a stool.
Mixed together, they create a potent cocktail of self-righteousness.
We down it to feel better about ourselves.
Unable to live up to God’s standards, we settle for our own and become comfortably numb to our own version of acceptable sins.
Christians don’t go to hell, but they do fall asleep.
Self-righteousness is a lethal drink for anyone’s testimony.
But Hallelujah, praise the Lord, that’s where Jesus comes in.
Christ alone is the righteousness that God requires for His holy people.
Jesus’s blood paid our debts—past, present and future. When we fall short, Jesus offers us an endless supply of grace.
The Gospel isn’t only for sinners. The Good News is for saints who sin, too.
The resurrection power that saved you way back when is the same power that is sanctifying you now.
Every. Single. Day.
The Gospel is central to victorious real-life Christian living.
So, here’s a refresher.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
When the Holy Spirit places a gentle finger on a sketchy area in your life, don’t be ashamed.
The Holy Spirit convicts with love, not condemnation. God only wants what’s best for you, so be quick to ACT.
Agree with God.
Confess your sin to Jesus and ask for forgiveness.
Turn from your own way and follow Him.
Over time, that former sketchy area becomes part of your hallelujahs and amens.
Salvation and sanctification?
That’s where Jesus drops the mic.
Standing in Heaven’s throne room?
That’s where we drop our crowns.
Rest assured, we’ll be singing Amazing Grace for eternity.
Jesus never lets go of you or me.