WORK IN PROGRESS

A church elder curses out the cashier at the grocery store. The response when seeing a fellow church member is, “I’m a work in progress. God knows my heart and He is not through with me yet.” Really? Statements like these are merely justifications for sin.

For some reason we feel vindicated by these statements as if they are enough to win God’s favor. Let’s be real here, there is nothing progressive about reveling in or justifying our sins. We must be careful what we say because yes, God does know our hearts; and He judges us and deals with us accordingly (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

We are all sinners in need of salvation, which is why we need Christ in our lives in the first place. God in His infinite wisdom is aware of all of our shortcomings, but He has instilled in each of us the ability to do His will (Philippians 2:13).  As we progress toward His purpose in our lives, know that when we are disobedient, He remains steadfast and committed to His will for us no matter how He must mold us (Jeremiah 18:1-10). His works in progress will be apparent.

Progress defined is a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage. If we are to identify ourselves as “works in progress” then we are actively walking in God’s will, we are moving on purpose. When God is at work in our lives we do not make excuses, we seek forgiveness when we fall short. Justification for our wrongdoing is regression and a clear sign that God is not involved.  So stop using God as advertisement for mess!

Prayer: Father God, we pray that You will watch over us and guide our words and deeds. Many of us speak without reverence, so Lord please forgive our transgressions. Help us to renew our minds and hearts to line up with your will for our lives. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we are progressing and not regressing in your name. We praise you and honor you for all that you are and all that you have done in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read Romans 12:2 for additional insight.