Courtney Gilmore Have you ever been sitting and church and you just look around and think: What I’m I doing here? These are good people. I’m not a bad person, but I’m not as good as any of these people. She probably never yells at her kids or fights with her husband. That man would never even think of cheating on his wife, much less do it. She’s probably never told a lie in her life. He’s probably never rude to his co-workers or snappy with his employees. All these people are gentle, kind, and patient. They are selfless, giving, and faithful. They aren’t contentious or vindictive, and they never lie or cheat. Do they realize I’m not as good as them?
Or have you ever been sitting in church and thought: I can’t believe he would show his face in here after what he’s done. That woman needs to put on some clothes. I’d never wear something so revealing! They need to do something with that kid. I would never let mine act like that! If he’d stop drinking maybe he’d have the money to provide his family with some decent clothes. She has no respect for her husband. I’d never talk to mine like that! I can’t believe people talk that way and think it’s okay. That word’s just not in my vocabulary. Some people just have no respect, modesty, or shame!
Both ways of thinking are wrong. According to the law we’re all sinners. But according to grace, we’re all righteous.
The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law… through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by His grace as a gift.
Romans 3:21-24
We All Break God’s Laws
Maybe you’re thinking: Yeah, but my sin is still much worse than anything anyone else has done. Or, are you thinking: At least, my sin is not as bad as theirs. But the bible says if you have broken one of God’s laws, then you’re a lawbreaker. Then, if the rest of the people in church broke even one of God’s laws, they are also a law breaker. So, it doesn’t matter what law you broke, only that you broke one.
Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, yo0u have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
James 2:10-13
We don’t really care what law the prisoner broke to land himself in prison, right? No matter what it is, he’s a criminal just the same. That’s what God is trying to say about us. We are all sinners and it doesn’t really matter what sin we committed. All sins deserve the death penalty. We only achieve righteousness through His mercy. Because Jesus paid the price for our sin, we can boldly approach His throne of grace.
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with out weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Jesus Died For Us All
Since Jesus had to die for the sin we committed, just as for the person beside us, we’re no better than them. Whether our sin seems trivial in human terms or not, it cost Jesus His life all the same.
He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, and even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give tithes to all that I possess.’
“The tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14
So, we all sin. What matters to God is whether we’re repentant or not. Are we humble enough to admit it? Have we learned from it? Though we’re not perfect, are we growing in Him, looking more like Him today than we did yesterday.
Rather than compare yourself to others, measure yourself according to God’s standards. Rather than judging others according to your standards, judge who you are today against who you were before you committed your life to God. Let His grace be sufficient for your weaknesses, and His sacrifice humble you.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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This is an excerpt from “God Uses Weak, Flawed People” as taught on YouTube, Podcast, and written on Substack. Read the beginning of the lesson for free. Or read it in its entirety, along with previous lessons over Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges, for $6/month or $60/year. Once subscribed, you’ll receive one lesson each week by email after that. Cancel anytime.
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