This should NEVER happen to a GROWN man!

Posted: Friday, December 2, 2011 by Anthony in
14

This morning I made a shocking discovery as I prepared to take a bath. I'm sure many of you will find this gross and TMI and, as a full grown man, it's pretty embarrassing to admit. I almost don't know how to say this, but I found a skid mark! Please don't judge me or stop reading here. I ONLY share this because it led me to consider an important spiritual principle.


There are few things more disgusting than boo boo. I have an one year old daughter who I love with all my heart, but I HATE changing her diapers when there's a #2 present! Nevertheless, she is a baby and therefore expected to soil her pants. To the contrary, I've been wiping myself for years and I consequently expect to find NO surprises in my unmentionables. No one was around to witness my discovery, but I was embarrassed as if there were an international audience gazing at my stain.

I decided to share this mishap because God touched my heart as I stared at the disgrace and He reminded me that MY righteous acts are as a filthy rag (Isaiah 64:6). What a literal picture God painted for me this morning. That spot was there despite my BEST efforts to cleanse myself. You have to understand that I'm borderline OCD and I've wiped before until I've drawn blood. So, it was not a lack of effort on my part that caused that spot to remain. Yet, the timing couldn't be more perfect...

You see, last night I went to bed disappointed in myself for doing something that I was trying so hard not to do again. Despite starting my mornings with prayer, meditation, worship, and the word of God, I STILL messed up at the end of the day. The powerful truth that I just discovered is... no matter how good I am or how much I wipe, I'll NEVER be completely clean!

I hate to be so graphic but no matter how many times or how long you wipe your butt, there is ALWAYS something left behind, even if it's microscopic. The same is true of our spiritual lives and walk with God. It makes no difference how many times you pray, how much you read your bible, how long you sit in church, how great your pastor teaches, or how many tongues you are able to speak in. You will NEVER be made clean by those acts. YOUR righteous acts are as a filthy rag (Isaish 64:6). 


Clearly, the only reason God accepts us is not because of our righteousness, but because of the righteousness of another, Jesus. No wonder He declared that no man comes to the Father but by me (John 14:6). There is NO ONE else considered right in God's eyes but Jesus (Romans 3:10).  If ANY of us stand a chance of God cleansing us or blessing us, we MUST approach Him based only on the premise of how perfect Jesus' sacrifice is, not how good we've been or how well we've wiped! Our human efforts will always fall short on the grand scale of God's holiness.

I'm grateful that he hasn't left us to our own devices but has provided us with a clear path to a strong relationship with Him. Even when we sin, we can rest comfortably that God will not destroy us because He already punished Jesus for our filthy deeds. We all are now wiped clean and made righteous through Jesus' obedience (Romans 5:19).  Only He can wipe us clean enough to stand in the presence of God, no matter how dirty we've been, and convince God to accept us as perfect!

Today, I ANTicipate growing even closer to God instead of running away from Him because of my sins. I am so confident that Jesus' blood has satisfied God's anger against my sin that I walk straight into His presence with no fear and lay at His feet. He will not strike me or reject me. He did that to Jesus so that I could enjoy this interrupted fellowship with Him! NOTHING can separate me from His love!

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wow! Extremely powerful metaphor. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful message in a comedic way. It is a reminder that no one of us is without sin, regardless of how hard we try. You have a wonderful gift of using simple everyday situations to share God's word :)

  1. Anthony says:

    Thank you for taking the time to read it! I've learned that God is always speaking to us and He will use anything to get our attention. I'm still learning how to quiet my soul enough to hear Him more and more each day. God bless you!

  1. India says:

    ANThony, this was actually really good. I wanted to stop reading when I saw "boo boo" and "skid" but I was too curious and wanted to see where you were going with this. Alot of ppl need to read this to understand you do not HAVE to be perfect to stand before God. :)

  1. Anthony says:

    Thanks for reading past the boo boo and skids! lol I agree with you. God knew we could never be perfect so He imputed righteousness to us through Jesus' finished work. That one point alone prompts me to praise Him FOREVER. Since I couldn't meet His standards, He did it Himself and gave me credit for it! I feel another blog coming! lol God Bless!

  1. that excerpt was real my brother! entertaining, yet graphic, but on point and very meaningful! keep up the great work brother & happy holidays!

  1. Anthony says:

    Thx Dre'! It's encouraging to hear from the brothers! Happy Holidays Fam!

  1. Pervis says:

    As always.. Anthony, you are on point.. God imputed righteousness to us.. We could never have earned it. No flesh shall boast before the Lord.. He wants us to simply enjoy the fruits of Jesus' labor at the cross..

  1. Anonymous says:

    Powerful! It's good to see messages like this portrayed like this thru everyday living and for you to grasp Nd really understand that message. Thanks for sharing.

  1. O.... says:

    Ant...at first read I was like "Oh boy where is this going?!?!?" But it pulled me in (as any well written piece should). It amazes me how God is using the "counted out ones" to really show the world how His grace was/is meant to be distributed.
    I thank God for the transparency from your perspective. This is how lives are changed. Through relevant, honest & pure introspection. The absolute best is Still Yet to come for you!!
    Proud to call you friend....Blessings Man!!!

    O...

  1. Unknown says:

    First time checking out your blog. Impressive. Love the metaphor used in this particular post. Keep it up.

  1. Anthony says:

    Thank you for the encouraging words everyone! It helps me to feel safe sharing my thoughts!

    O, you have always been one that God uses to encourage and strengthen others. I see your heart for people has continued to expand! I pray God's BEST for you!

  1. Cynthia Scarboro says:

    I've been reading your blog and you always come with something worth reading. (John:15)The story of the Vine and the branches. He is the Vine and We are the Branches and we must ABIDE in Him, as He does the same for us. Very uplifting. Continue what you're doing and contubie to inspire others.

    God Bless

  1. Anonymous says:

    This is a great follow up to my blog post, Harsh Reality. The intro was PERFECT! I had the best laugh...It ended my day perfectly! Thanks for the encouragement!

    All LOVE,
    Muah!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wow a fantastic metaphor, thank you for sharing