Gerbil Spirituality 12/28/2011

[Trout]

Gerbil writes:

Some rambling...
I think I'm a little bit horrified right now.

When I was a legalist I felt that I could solidly place myself on God's side through actions and a confident affirmation of the truth. The same could be said while I was attending church because there is a certain confidence that church attendance affords. There are so many things I said I believed that I'm really starting to believe now for the very first time. These things expose my helplessness, hence the horror.

I don't hold the sinfulness of man as a doctrine anymore. I own it, deep down inside - such that I'd believe it to be the case regardless of what the Bible says about it. I don't like being utterly helpless, but the law has proven me to be exactly that. Have you ever thoughts about the words "slave to sin"? It's funny how a phrase I've heard forever can suddenly light up like a neon sign. I've been moved by this over the past year - it leaves me with an unpleasant feeling of total helplessness. It used to be that I'd try to do better but now I'm beyond even trying. I know better. There is no point in me trying anything because failure is guaranteed. I'm horrified by sin because I now realize the only reason I've not done X, Y, or Z is because I simply wasn't tempted. I've given in on every single temptation that has persisted for more than 20 seconds.

These things have caused me to really be sickened by judging other people.
It's embarrassing to judge other people.
It's shameful - it's dangerous.

I used to think I trusted Christ but it was a partnership. I kept God happy (or amused) by my striving and it was like getting a 50% coupon off on owning His goodwill. However, with my new thinking, Christ becomes the only thing and the trust is full and complete since there is absolutely no room for my own efforts. I'm finding that trust to be enormous. I used to wonder why people had a hard time believing it, but as it turns out, they were just in touch with how evil they were whereas I was unaware. To get to forgiveness and move onto the realization that we are cherished by God - I cannot imagine making that journey.

As I think about these things though I'm reminded in Scripture that God pursues us.
What a wonder that is to me.

[Cow Poke]

[Sparko]

Wow, Gerbil has it right. And I know it from personal experience too.

I miss Gerbz. I wish he would come back here.

Trout, will you post that in the Mormon area in this thread where we have been discussing "after all you can do?"

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...63#post3338063

I think it is very appropriate for that thread.

[mossrose]

I also received that email, and thought it was terrific.

I also miss Gerbzy and wish he would come back to visit us.

Maybe if I unban him......?

[Trout]

I also received that email, and thought it was terrific.

I also miss Gerbzy and wish he would come back to visit us.

Maybe if I unban him......?

no

[mossrose]

no

[Trout]

no

[mossrose]

no

[Teallaura]

[Michelle]

I love Gerbil.

[mossrose]

Michelle! How are you, sweet girl!

It's like old home week here, with you and Trouty. All we need is Gabs and Jackie Fox to make it complete!

[Teallaura]

Hey Trout, or anyone who might be in touch with Gerbil, would you please tell him I said thank you? I'd lost my sense of just how truly dependent I am - and the reminder came right when I needed it although I didn't know I did.

Funny how He uses us when we are at our most useless, huh?