AMAZING thing that was said to me....

[Praxeas]

I used to smoke, who I was though was not a smoker. Smoking was just what I did. It's a choice

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Pre-Christianity, I always had this view of myself that if anyone really truly knew who I was inside they be horrified. So getting me to believe that I was intrinsically a bad person was not difficult. Telling me that God forgave me for it and wanted to make me better, was awesome!

But things went downhill from there. Whether it was being told that I couldn't love Jesus and smoke. Or that questioning things or having doubts was a sin in itself. I spent about 5 years as a Christian believing that I was intrinsically flawed. That there was something wrong with me that I couldn't seem to achieve the level of super spirituality of all those around me.

Looking back on it, none of that was about God. It was about others expectations of me, and the fact that over time I began to think the expectations of fellow Christians were part and parcel to the expectations of God.

It wasn't until I realized that no matter how I tried, I couldn't measure up. I decided that I wasn't going to pretend any longer. I am flawed. And I am intrinsically bad at being a Christian. But what you see is what you get, it may not be pretty...but it's real.

It looks like you have solved your dilema. When we begin to put our faith into pleasing YHWH instead of pleasing men it makes a difference.

How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:44

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. 2 Cor. 10:12

When we do this his reality will be sufficient to help us to "measure up" to Christs will.

[Hoovie]

In a similar vein of thought...

Transparency is not always a virtue... sometimes it's a cop out - a way to hurt others with an air of nobility. Duplicity is a burden some people should carry to keep from hurting the innocent (or perhaps to keep from hurting more).

Just an observation. I am saying nothing about the statement in question with this.

I rather liked the statement, though I can think of cases where being transparent may not be right thing.

About Michalow... I don't think anyone hates her around here. If anything perhaps most have a soft spot for her.

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Whether it was being told that I couldn't love Jesus and smoke. Or that questioning things or having doubts was a sin in itself. I spent about 5 years as a Christian believing that I was intrinsically flawed. That there was something wrong with me that I couldn't seem to achieve the level of super spirituality of all those around me.

Looking back on it, none of that was about God. It was about others expectations of me, and the fact that over time I began to think the expectations of fellow Christians were part and parcel to the expectations of God.

It wasn't until I realized that no matter how I tried, I couldn't measure up. I decided that I wasn't going to pretend any longer. I am flawed. And I am intrinsically bad at being a Christian. But what you see is what you get, it may not be pretty...but it's real.

It has been several years since we shared a forum together (with Ron L), and now here you are! I visit here sometimes on and off again. Always loved our posts - and this one was great!

For those interested in moving into a more real (open and honest) relationship with Jesus (and fellow believers), the quoted post is an excellent place to start.

Really glad to see you sharing here.

[rgcraig]

I believe Michael Phelps had that exact quote or something very close to it for a long time.