July 17

July 17, 2015

Romans 4 and Psalm 13

Dealing with guilt and shame is one of the most difficult battles people face. We know how God wants us to act, to think, to speak and to live, but it is so hard to measure up to the law. This is the theme of the first chapters of Romans.

We all "fall short" of the Biblical standard. And this short falling produces guilt and shame. Guilt is feeling bad about one's actions, but shame is feeling bad about oneself. The emotions of failure, embarrassment, weakness, overwhelming worthlessness and feeling "less than" others can permeate the depths of our hearts. Author John Bradshaw claims that shame is at the root of all addictions. So what are we to do with this potentially toxic guilt and shame?

Romans 4

Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.

Psalm 13  

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
 I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me.

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. It is in believing that our guilt and shame are removed that we find peace in our hearts. It is in our "trusting" that woundedness is turned to health, and our embarrassment into laughter.

This was the goal of God. This was the mission of Jesus. We serve the God of "no matter whatness."  We can't shock him with our guilt and shame. But, by believing, we can have a righteousness that we did not earn. It seems to me that this reversal of shame, guilt, and brokenness is the very center of our mission.

So, first of all, let's work with God in putting our hearts in order, and then take this message to the streets of Stamford.

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"